Your House is an ancient one, hailing from the time of the Age of Heroes, when the First Men ruled Westeros. Your line has always shown honour, loyalty and duty - a firm friend to those who gain our respect, and a wrathful seeker of justice to those who slight us.

Our history has been one of hardship and bitterness, though not without its blessings. We have always suffered from the treachery and spite of the Ironborn, our lands over the centuries slowly wittled away from what had previously been the northern realms of the Westerlands, to a small parcel of land on the Tumblestone coast today.

We bent the knee to the Andals when they came to our lands, their right to rule demonstrated by their martial prowess. Again, when Aegon approached our lands, and we were granted a great victory at Nunn's Deep, protecting our liege of Lannister, we saw his armies, and due to Aegon's respect for our courage, we were rewarded when we called him King.

Since then, we have fought for our lands, our honour, for our lords of Lannister and Targaryen, and smote those who sought to break their vows and sully our House. The ashen remains of Houses Tarbeck and Reyne show our wrath, as do the bodies of the Ironborn that were left to rot on the beaches of Ironman's Bay.

We will bring greatness to our House and our lands once more, or die in the attempt.

>>41456581
Might want to link the thread on twitter.

Your lands are a meagre shadow of what they once were. Where they used to stretch across the whole north coast of the Westerland, you are now left with but a small portion of land, hardly large enough for your home of Brachenhall and a dozen or so villages scattered across the countryside.

Raids from the insidious Ironborn have shattered your strength, and bandits roam the roads and mountains south of your hall. Though you might have gained personal glory in your work for the Lannisters, you have left your own lands to go to rot, an error you wish to rectify.

>>41456664
It has been

>>41456690
So it has, wasn't showing up for me until just now.

File: Local Houses.png (685 KB, 447x738)

685 KB PNG

>>41456664
I have done, anon.

>>41456678
Other houses have sprouted in the lands that you once owned. House Payne now resides further up the coast, and Houses Marbrand and Estren now own the rich lands along the Tumblestone River, that your house used to call its own.

You bitter enemies, the Ironborn, sit off the coast on the Iron Islands, waiting for their time to strike. Your rivals, House Banefort, another family with ties to the First Men, sit in their holds, not hostile to you, but neither are they allies.

Yet.

For you have decided to change your fortunes, and lift your House to greatness once more.

"Still We Stand!"

>>41456785
STILL WE STAND!
Let's diplo anons, we got work to do

File: Lord Gerratte Brachen.jpg (60 KB, 642x950)

60 KB JPG

Dramatis Personae

Lord Garrette Brachen - Lord of Brachenhall, 38 years of age. Became lord at the age of 14 following his father's death in a sally against Ironborn raiders on the coast. Grey of hair and blue of eyes, his face is hardened by battle and service, including the War of the Ninepenny Kings and the Reyne-Tarbeck Rebellion. He is dutiful, loyal, couragious and knowledgable in the ways of war - the epitomy of a scion of House Brachen, and, Gods willing, the man to see its resurgence.

Ser Kalin Brachen - Uncle, 60 years of age. Dour but pragmatic, like many of your House. He served as a squire to Ser Tion Lannister, heir at the time to Casterly Rock, and was at his side when Tion died at the Battle of Wendwater Bridge, during the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion. In recent years has acted as your castellan, while you have been away from your lands in the service of Lord Tywin.

Trystan Hill - Bastard son, 16 years of age. Born of lust with a common maid following Lord Garrette's melee victory in the regional Tourney of Ashermark, Garrette took him into his household when he was 6, and squired him to Ser Tommos. He has followed in your footsteps, skilled with spear, sword and lance, and has proven himself in raids against bandits and Ironborn.

>>41456853
>Not taking what is rightfully ours
It's like you're some sort of passive aggressive twat

Ser Tommos - Master-of-Arms, 52 years of age. A sword sword of your father, Ser Tommos has served your House loyally, and was one of the men to help raise you following your father's death. His mind for tactics rivals your own, and though his body has been ravaged by a life of struggle and war, you know he would fall in battle for you and your House, if needed.

Ser Lambert - A sworn sword in your service, 30 years of age. A strong-armed and athletic man, good with sword and horse, he came into your service following Tywin Lannister's rise to lordship, his own House of Turnberry too peaceful in the central Westerlands for his tastes.

Ser Devin - A sword sword in your service, 22 years of age. Sandy skinned and dark of hair, you have never met a better man with bow or spear. Travelling as a hedge knight across Westeros, he swore his sword to you two years past, following a bandit ambush of a trade caravan he was guarding, relieved by House Brachen's rangers.

Captain Symon Waters - Captain of your fleet, 44 years of age. A weathered old sea-dog, Symon was formerly a brigand and a smugglar, but was awarded with Captaincy over your fleet following his assistance in the Scourging of the Ironborn five years hence, where an Ironborn pirate fleet was ambushed and killed to a man following raids along your coast.

Rufus - Your dog, 5 years of age. A black Retriever, trained in the ways of the hunt, friendly and loyal to those of your House.

Lord Garrette Brachen, of House Brachen, Scourge of the Ironborn, Warden of the Tumblestone Coast

Middle Aged - 38 years old
Motivation: Duty
Virtue: Courageous
Vice: Wrathful
Goal: Security/Justice

Agility: 2 (-1D Due to Middle Aged)
Animal Handling: 2 (Ride 1B)
Athletics: 3 (Swim 1B)
Awareness: 4
Cunning: 2
Deception: 2
Endurance: 3
Fighting: 4 (Spear 2B)
Healing: 1
Knowledge: 3
Language: 3
Marksmanship: 2
Persuasion: 4 (Convince 1B)
Status: 6
Stealth: 2
Survival: 2
Thievery: 2
Warfare: 5 (Command 2B, Strategy 1B)
Will: 3 (Courage 2B)

Benefits:
Leader of Men
Inspiring
Keen Senses

Flaw:
Haughty

Possessions:
Weapons:
Boar Spear
War Lance
Dirk

Armour:
Hard Leather, 400ss
Ring, 600ss

Horse:
Courser
Ring Barding

710 Silver Stags left


House Brachen - "Still We Stand"

Defence: 24 (20 - Hall)
Influence: 44 (0 - Bastard Son)
Lands: 16 (16 - Plains [Coast, Light Wood, Road])
Law: 13
Population: 12
Power: 34 (34 - Trained Warships, Veteran Personal Guard, Trained Guerillas and Trained Cavalry)
Wealth: 36 (35 - Port, Timber, Maester, Fisheries, Land Agriculture)

And with that, we're done - Are you ready to begin?

>>41456975
Of course, Squire

Lets do this

>>41456975
Let's rock OP, I came here to restore houses and douse maidens in honey. And i'm all out of honey

Let's do it son.

>>41456975
Ready for action

>>41456975
Absolutely!

>>41456992
>>41456999
>>41457015
>>41457016
>>41457017

Astounding, sers. Let's get going then.

---------------------------------

The sound of waves and wind caught the shutters of your window, rousing you from sleep. The warmth of the sun shone through, a stream of light across your bed as you slowly pulled yourself from under the blanket, the sun highlighting the scarred and battered body of Lord Gerratte Brachen, thirty-eight years old, and currently last of his line.

You heard a knock on the door a few minutes later, one of your servants dutifully bringing you breakfast - freshly baked bread with butter, a smoked kipper, caught fresh, and a small glass of wine, to help you waken.

You have so much to do in order to rebuild your lands, and as you knew, all journeys started with a single step.

>Your uncle has been castellan for you for the decade or so you were away, riding with Tywin Lannister against the enemies of the realm. He might have some ideas on where to start;

>Meet with your sworn swords, and organise a hunt against some of the local bandits;

>Go and visit some of your neighbours, to gain allies and trade;

>[Insert your own thoughts here]

>>41457214
>Meet with your sworn swords, and organise a hunt against some of the local bandits;

>>41457214
>>Your uncle has been castellan for you for the decade or so you were away, riding with Tywin Lannister against the enemies of the realm. He might have some ideas on where to start;

Learn about the situation. Act accordingly to the information we got. He probably know the land better than we do right now

>>41457214
Let's kill bandits

>>41457214
>>Meet with your sworn swords, and organise a hunt against some of the local bandits;

Let's start this out right.

>>41457214
>Your uncle has been castellan for you for the decade or so you were away, riding with Tywin Lannister against the enemies of the realm. He might have some ideas on where to start

>>41457214
>>Your uncle has been castellan for you for the decade or so you were away, riding with Tywin Lannister against the enemies of the realm. He might have some ideas on where to start;

>>41457214
>>Your uncle has been castellan for you for the decade or so you were away, riding with Tywin Lannister against the enemies of the realm. He might have some ideas on where to start;

>>41457150
>>41457015
You guys might not want to namefag too much, it can make threads look elitist and dissuade newcomers.

>>41457214
Meet with the Uncle, see what immediate problems we have.

>>41457214
Squire please dont respond to post while doing a story update. It makes it looks a bit messy and limits the amount of characters you can actually do in a update

>>41457214
>>Your uncle has been castellan for you for the decade or so you were away, riding with Tywin Lannister against the enemies of the realm. He might have some ideas on where to start;

So which small time house should we break and make into a banner house first?

>>41457391
Anon. We are the Banner house right now. One step at the time. First deal with bandits then we can worry about such things

>>41457391
Payne fuck those guys. Except Sandor he's cool.

>>41457391
We need to get control and stability over our own shit before we do any expansioning.

>>41457417
You're thinking Clegane.

>>41457417
You are thinking about the Cleganes

>>41457417
You're likely thinking of Ilyne Payne

>>41457483
>>41457417
Podrick's cool though.

As you get dressed, you mull over the options in your head. Whilst the urge to ride out with your men in force and strike at the bandits first thing gets your blood pumping, you reason that it is more prudent to meet with your uncle first, as he has ruled these lands in your stead for longer than you have, and would know the lay of the land.

You emerge from your room and head towards the tower at the west end of Brachenhall, where your uncle has his rooms and the maester lives and tends his ravens. Already you can hear the clang of swords outside, likely your sworn swords and your son training as they always do, always prepared for a raid.

"Come in," your uncle shouted as you knock on his door, entering to find him already risen, dressed and sat at his desk, papers strewn across its surface, and ledgers piled beside it.

"Good morning, nephew," he said as he turned to see who it was, before looking back to his work. "What can I do for you this day? Perhaps you are interested in your lands now you have returned to us?" He sounded slightly bitter at the state you had left things in, but beneath his thick skin, he was glad you had returned.

"Indeed uncle," you reply, "and there is much work to be done. I'd appreciate your counsel."

>"Tell me how our trade and coin are doing."

>"What of these bandits I have heard of?"

>"What of our old lands, now lost? How could we get them back?"

>"[Insert suggestion here]"

>>41457607
>>"Tell me how our trade and coin are doing."
>>"What of these bandits I have heard of?"

>>41457607
>"Tell me how our trade and coin are doing."

>>41457607
>>"What of these bandits I have heard of?"

First thing first. You dont start your day by putting on your boots

>>41457607
>"Tell me how our trade and coin are doing."

>>41457623
These.

>>41457607
>>"Tell me how our trade and coin are doing."
>>"What of these bandits I have heard of?"

>>41457623
Basically this

"Tell me, uncle, and be honest - how goes our trade and coin, and what of these bandits I've heard tell of from the men?" You ask, wanting to know about what you have currently, rather than jumping into dealing with your House's old lands.

Your uncle sighed, running his hand through his thinning grey hair, before reaching down for the closest ledger and lifting it to the desk, opening it up.

"We've done better, truth be told. Our fisheries and farms produce enough to export, for a modest profit, and our timber operations make a small amount too, but we have little in our treasury compared to the likes of Marbrand and their gold mines. With a little development, however, they could be made to bring in twice as much coin," he replied, showing the figures for the last month. You can just about understand them, and although it doesn't leave you with nothing, it isn't what you were accustomed to when you stayed at Casterly Rock.

"As for the bandits, they are causing much trouble for our trade and smallfolk. They are raiding the villages along the Coast Road and south near the Tumblestones with impunity, stealing what little they have and ravaging the women. There are a number of bands, we believe about 500 men strong in total, hiding in the mountains by day. With them gone, we might manage to persuade more people to move to our lands, or increase the trade along our roads."

>>41457876

>"How could we develop what we have to bring more gold to our treasury?"

>"Do you have more details on these bandit groups, or where they hide?"

>Thank your uncle, and move on to sworn swords/bastard son/maester

>Any other suggestions

>>41457937
>"Do you have more details on these bandit groups, or where they hide?"

>>41457937
>"Do you have more details on these bandit groups, or where they hide?"
>"How could we develop what we have to bring more gold to our treasury?"

>>41457937
>"How could we develop what we have to bring more gold to our treasury?"

I mean the obvious answer is smash Marbrand and get what is rightfully ours, but perhaps an easier suggestion to start.

>>41457876
>"Do you have more details on these bandit groups, or where they hide?"

Trade and the likes is not really our strong point and no amount of trade helps if it is getting raided by bandits. Lets deal with them first

>>41457937
>>"How could we develop what we have to bring more gold to our treasury?"
>>"Do you have more details on these bandit groups, or where they hide?"

>>41457937
>"Do you have more details on these bandit groups, or where they hide?"

>>41457937
>>"Do you have more details on these bandit groups, or where they hide?"

>>41457953

Backing this.

First order of business is to clear the land of banditry.

Also we're pretty old and need to father a legitimate heir pretty fast, guys

>>41458010
HDW soon, it has been promised

"What information do we have on these bandits, and where they make their lairs?" You ask, not only wishing to return to the field after weeks of reacquainting yourself with your home, but understanding that you cannot really develop and expand without removing the rot from within first. "And when you say we can develop what little we have, what did you have in mind?"

Your uncle pulled together a few of the papers on the desk, which you see include a map of the nearby mountains and locations that the bandits have struck in the last few months.

"We believe there are three different bands of brigands making their home in the mountains. From what our rangers have found, one appears to be local smallfolk from our lands and those who neighbour us. They number around one hundred, mostly armed with nothing more than scythes, hatchets and some hunting spears and bows, whatever the individuals took with them. They seem to raid mostly from the mountains south of ourselves and Balefort."

"The second are a band of professional brigands, if you can call such acts a profession, and ride from the mountains between our lands and Wyndhall. They number around one hundred and fifty, and are armed well, swords, spears and bows, and have been attacking our timber farms in the forest."

"Finally, there are the Castemere Company, remnants of the rebels of a decade gone. Two hundred and fifty men, and have cavalry, bowmen, and a solid core of infantry. They hide between Brachenhall and Ashemark."

>>41458274
Do they also raid neighboring lands? Could we organize a joint venture with one of our fellow lords to root them out?

>>41457214
>a smoked kipper, caught fresh

A kipper is a preserved and smoked herring, so a smoked kipper is a pleonasm. And as a kipper is a preserved fish, they aren't fresh by definition.

>>41458274
1st group gets a few fingers cut off and goes back to till the land, happy they've still got their heads.
2nd group either parts with their heads or enter forced labor.
3rd group could either become bait for Iron scum or start marching for The Wall

>>41458342
We'd likely be seen as weak for needing help to remove brigands

We need to utterly destroy the Castemere Company, and execute any survivors. Afterwards, we send a messenger to the "professional brigands" and the smallfolk brigands telling them to lay down their arms and flee or be destroyed also.

We'll likely still need to root out and attack the professionals, but hopefully after killing off the entirety of the Castemere Company some will panic and flee, making the fight that much easier.

>>41458274
"As for how we could develop what we have currently, what I mean is that, at present, we are just selling what we have left over from our own use, and unrefined as well."

Your uncle indicates the ledger with a pale finger, showing the details of our industry. "We could try to fund a lumber mill, in order to process our timber into proper lumber, allowing us to sell to more people, and charge more for our effort. Following that, we could use the new lumber mill to augment our port, allowing us to build a proper shipyard, to sell ships and build more of our own."

"Otherwise, with our agriculture and fisheries, we could build mills, granaries or distilleries to further exploit our crops, or build up our fishing fleet and processing, allowing us to fish more and trade further, or even perhaps expand into whaling - the oil and blubber from them is quite valuable."

>>41458403
Agreed. Routing them is really the best option, and it'll likely gain some approval from Tywin. And we don't need to become the guy that kills his own small folk, the first group could very likely be convinced to return to their homes and kept the with a strong hand managing that land.

>>41458394
>Two hundred and fifty men, and have cavalry, bowmen, and a solid core of infantry
>implying Tywin doesn't value pragmatism
>implying it's bad to forge good relations with at least one neighbor.


Remember, we only have like 140 soldiers under our command.
>>41458437
Processing has great benefits and takes a relatively short time to set up, while lumber mills take the shortest time to build and have good long-term options.

We only have 1 wealth left, right?

>>41458437
I rather do like the idea of whaling, that has a lot of potential. Lumber mills to augment our ports seems to be a natural first step though.

And also like to throw out the idea of glassworks, we certainly have enough sand for it.

>>41458572
If that is the case perhaps we should raise more troops from amongst the small folk

>>41458437
Whaling and fishing seems to be a good idea, the only problem with it would be the possibility of encountering the Ironborn

We could always smash that professionals, and send their leaders to the Wall then conscript the rest in penance. Make a good front line group.

>>41458595
This, these are all great suggestions. We might want to try and capture as many of the smallfolk bandits as possible, and give them the choice of hangung or fighting for us.

>>41458617
>>41458638
>>41458572

Looking at what er have militarily we have no main line infantry we really need some spearmen of men at arms if we want to win in a stand up fight as is we may win if we can ambush the Castemere Company

We will need help if we want to strike at the castemere company first. Our forces are more ideal for skrimishes and hit and run tactics.

>>41458595
We're in a good place for limestone as well, but will likely need to import soda ash and dyes. Not too difficult to set up.

I think the biggest issue we'll have is finding a master glass worker and then training more.

>>41458676
we do have a bunch of Dornish trained rangers don't we? We could guerilla them

>>41458676
In that case, do we apprehend the small folk first and have them join our forces, then go after the Castamere Company or professionals after?

>>41458342
"We believe they have attempted to raid our neighbours, with a little success, but given their relative wealth advantage, in coin and men, over ourselves, they haven't suffered nearly as much as we have. As such, are seen as the more vulnerable target, even if they might make more coin from our neighbours. Without you here, my nephew, our neighbours have seen no reason to come to our aid... not that I would have accepted it. We have our pride, after all."

>>41458403
>>41458524

"Ahh yes, the Castamere Company have been a thorn in the side of both ourselves and Marbrand for some time. They are apparently led by the now dishonoured Ser Antony Hill, a bastard son of House Reyne, who had fled from battle when it was obvious that the loyal forces were going to break through to Castamere. Given our family's involvement in the extinction of his House, he has special reason to hate us."

>Work on developing our lands
>Discuss with our uncle what allies we might be able to gain to attack the Castamere Company
>Go talk to our sworn swords
>Other suggestions

(Also, we have around 220 men, I believe. 100 rangers, 100 of our personal unit, veterans from our battles across Westeros at Tywin's side, and 20 cavalry).

>>41458730
>Power: 34 (34 - Trained Warships, Veteran Personal Guard, Trained Guerillas and Trained Cavalry)

this is all we have for troops

I'm new to this board and especially to these kind of threads, but it seems like fun so I'll try it. Also feel free to point out anything I do incorrectly.

Is there anyway we can coerce (promises of wealth) the Castamere company to join our ranks?

>>41458745
>>Discuss with our uncle what allies we might be able to gain to attack the Castamere Company

>>41458745
>Discuss with our uncle what allies we might be able to gain to attack the Castamere Company

>>41458745
>>Discuss with our uncle what allies we might be able to gain to attack the Castamere Company
Think any others present at their fall would like to finish the line?

>>41458745
>>Discuss with our uncle what allies we might be able to gain to attack the Castamere Company
>Work on developing our lands

I feel that getting rid of the worst of the bandits is going to have to come before improving our situation. Otherwise we are only setting up more costly assets to be raided and ruined.

>>41458761
>making deals with traitors to our liege lord

No.

>>41458744
The Professionals would be alright if we could press them into service I am not sure the Small Folk themselves will really be any use to us aside from maybe a conscript spear unit but Conscripts are known to break in the heat of battle and the Catamere Company sound like veterans.

>>41458595
>>41458649

Lumber Mills add 1 to any wealth roll, and only take 1d3 months to set up. Fisheries and alcohol add 1 to population and wealth, and take 1d6 and 1d6+6 months respectively.
Whaling is 1 to influence(Which we have plenty of) and wealth, and takes 2d6 months.

>>41458676
>>41458617
We could raise a peasant levy, or go after the smallfolk bandits, allowing them pardon if they join us against the larger bandits.

>>41458745
The personal guard are infantry? That makes a lot of difference then, I was assuming that they were cavalry.

>>41458771
>>41458766
>>41458762
Let's do it.

>>41458761
Almost certainly not. They hate us. We were part of the attack that removed House Reyne from existence.

>>41458745
>Discuss with our uncle what allies we might be able to gain to attack the Castamere Company

>>41458801
What better way to lead them into an ambush?

>>41458761
>>41458796
>>41458820

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECewrAld3zw

>>41458761

Nah dude, we killed his entire family. Plus we would royally piss off Tywin if we recruited a bastard son of the man who tried to overthrow him.

>>41458745
i say we go for the Castemere company first. We need to destroy them and maybe even grab their arms and armor to sell for gold/loot all their ill-gotten goods. We could use the wealth for expansion. The smallfolk could be coerced to returning back from banditry, and the last middling group would probably be destroyed.

>>41458761
The Castamere called Tywin's father a shit.
In retaliation Tywin #rekt their shits, hard.
Like WW2 Japan hard.
Tywin's the Top Dog on the Westerland(our kingdom), you want him to see us have Castameres men at our service?

>>41458745
>>41458711
>>41458403

Regarding how to deal with the bandits, I see the logic of trying to deal with the Castemere company first as the most threatening, but share the concerns that it would be a bit of a risk to confront them directly given our current forces.

I think it would be better to go after the peasants first, as they're easiest to deal with. A small show of strength, possibly executing any leaders, then leniency for the rest. I'm not sure they'd make great soldiers - better to let them return to their lands?

As for the Castemere company - what options do we have to limit their effectiveness without risking a direct confrontation. Use our ranger for more watchtowers and patrols?

>>41458951
Our rangers are our best bet for dealing with that large of a force.

>>41458951
We can't fight the Castamere company in the open we just don't have the infantry for it we could have our Rangers attack them in hit and run actions but that puts out men at risk. I believe our best option would be to seek allies and raise a levy go after the weaker target for now and train our levy on them.

>>41458951
We don't need to attack our peasantry if we can make them quit the field with a stronger attack elsewhere. They're just the disenfranchised right now, we can rectify that. Waste of time and resources otherwise.

Hearing the word Castamere brought back all the memories of that day, not long after your eighteenth year, when you were serving as Tywin's right hand in the Tarbeck-Reyne Rebellion.

The Reynes had hidden down in the mines under Castamere, and wanted to surrender to Tywin, and pledged to be loyal once more, and offer hostages, if their House was pardoned.

Instead of accepting their surrender, which you equally did not agree with (you do not forgive traitors), Tywin had your troops fill in the entrances to the mine with rubble and rocks, so that none might escape. He then had his own men dig ditches to reroute a local stream into the entrances to the mine, and basically left the entire line of House Reyne to drown overnight.

You were there to witness this, and was one of the reasons why Tywin values your service - you did what needed to be done to traitors. Even when those traitors included women and children.

It still keeps you up some nights, hearing their screams and pleas.

You come back to the present, with your uncle talking. "Marbrand might be willing to help, given their part in the sacking of the Tarbecks, as might the Balefort, as they fought for Tywin also. Whether they would work with us to rid our lands of them, when their lands have been safe, is another thing entirely."

>>41458951
>As for the Castemere company - what options do we have to limit their effectiveness without risking a direct confrontation. Use our ranger for more watchtowers and patrols?
Not much, the best thing we can say is "Tywin is coming for ya" and offer them safe passage out of the fucking Westerland to the Wall or Essos, cause that's the only places the Lion won't follow them, maybe...

>>41459049
Agreed. We should start sending scouts out to survey their hideouts. Take care of the medium threat and get our men some action.

>>41459055
So according to this, we won't be pardoning any of the smallfolk brigands.

>The smallfolk could be coerced to returning back from banditry, and the last middling group would probably be destroyed.

Your uncle nods in agreement. "I concur. The smallfolk that have risen up have done so through the absence, mistreatment and poverty they have been left in. Your cavalry alone would likely slaughter them, but then we must look to our appearances. I believe, if we gave them reason enough to put down their arms, they might be persuaded to settle our lands, or join your troops. We'd have to execute the leaders, of course. We can't have rabble-rousers around our peasantry."

"Dyed in the wool bandits, however? They are scum, who have stolen and killed from the Riverlands through to the West. The only thing for them, in my view, is their heads on pikes and their bodies in shallow graves. Your view may differ though, my nephew."

>>41459186
I agree, the real bandits are a nuisance that has gone unchecked for too long. None will be spared, let the eradication of this scum serve as warning to any others considering a life of crime in my lands. Send ravens to the Marbrans and the Baleforts, see if we can't work out a deal in return for their aid in this situation.

>>41459255
Concur

First take care of the middle bandits. Then make the peasents surrender and return home. Then we can think about the Castemere guys

So, order in which to deal with bandits:

>smallfolk
>bandits
>Castamere Company

If smallfolk:
>kill them all
>kill their leaders, allow others to serve you or live on your land
>ignore them and hope they go away after dealing with other bandits

Bandits:
>Kill them all
>kill their leaders, exile or imprison the rest
>kill their leaders, try to recruit the others

Castamere:
>Try to take them on by yourself
>Try to build up alliance to take them down

>>41459186
Of course not, these are men who willingly chose to rape and pillage my lands. However, if any of them are willing, I'd consider allowing them to take the black

>>41459186
I'd say peasant leaders to the Wall. We don't need to outright kill anyone over this, it is technically our fault.

>>41459280
>bandits
>Kill them all

>smallfolk
>kill their leaders, try to recruit the others

>Castamere Company
>Try to build up alliance to take them down

>>41459280
>>kill their leaders, allow others to serve you or live on your land
>Kill them all
>Try to build up alliance to take them down

>>41459280
>>kill their leaders, allow others to serve you or live on your land
>kill their leaders, exile or imprison the rest
Use them as forced labor so the smallfolk can focus of harvest/cattle/fishing
>Try to build up alliance to take them down

>>41459280
Smallfolk First:
>kill their leaders, allow others to serve you or live on your land
Bandits Second:
>kill their leaders, exile or imprison the rest
Castamere Last:
>Try to build up alliance to take them down

>>41459280
2
1
2

>>41459280
Bandits
Kill them all

Smallfolk
Kill the leaders, pardon/recruit the others

Castamere
Try to build an alliance

>>41459325
This is the best plan

>>41459255
>>41459186
Also agree. We could try against the second group of 'professional bandits' ourselves. They've been acting at their leisure for too long - see how they fare against a hardened band of warriors. Our timber farms will operate again - and it should help put the fear of Brachen into the peasants.

It is possibly in the interests of Ashemark to help us against Castamere when the time comes - with the Brachen lands strengthened by our return, the company may begin looking south.

Thus:
>>41459280
>Bandits, kill leaders, exile or imprison rest.

>>41459280
smallfolk
>kill the leaders, allow others to serve you or live on your land

bandits
>kill their leaders, try to recruit the others

Castamere
>Try to take them on by yourself

>>41459280
>Kill them all
>ignore
>build alliances

>>41459302
No it bloody well isnt. The leader will have to die but the rest can be spared if they surrender

>>41459347
>>41459280
Oh and
2:
>Smallfolk, kill leaders, allow others to live on land
[Not serve in our army - we don't want that sort]
3:
>Castamere, Try to build up alliance

>>41459370
>"I concur. The smallfolk that have risen up have done so through the absence, mistreatment and poverty they have been left in.

Our absence led to this, we have a part in the cause.

>>41459401
Not the point. This is purely their own fault and will have to face the consquences for it. We cannot let ourselves be put to blame for it.

>>41459302
>>41459401
We may have had a hand in this, but their response was too extreme.

>>41459467
That's the Haughty Nobleman that we truly are right there.

Stay in character, folks.

Any peasants that surrender and agree to be our fodder against the Castameres can be pardoned, any others can die or go to the wall.

>>41459467
They are simple folk without our hand to guide them they were lead astray. We should execute the leader and show the rest mercy.

"In this case then, uncle, I propose that we target the bandits to the south-east first. They are hardened criminals, yes, but they are used to attacking smallfolk and patrols, not a hardened force of soldiers. We kill as many as needed, and then send the remainder to the Wall, or press them into forced labour, to rebuild what they have destroyed." You say, after a few minutes mulling over the maps and thinking of the disposition of your forces and theirs.

"As for the smallfolk, our absence has not helped matters - I accept this. It does not, however, give them good reason to revolt. We shall put down their leaders, and offer amnesty to the rest if they return to our lands in peace, or serve in our forces."

"Finally, this Castamere Company. Though our forces might be equal, they will have the advantage of the land, knowing where to ambush us, all the hidden tracks. I will send ravens to Marbrand and Balefort, to see if we shall unite as we did during the Rebellion, to put this bastard knight down once and for all."

Your uncle listens intently, before a smile slowly grows across his face. "It is indeed good to have you back, Garrette. I shall try to organise our finances to allow for this, and I suggest you approach your sworn swords to give their views, for this will not be some simple task."

>Clasp your uncle's shoulder and thank him

>head straight out to your sworn swords

>see your son first

>visit the maester to send the ravens

>other suggestion

>>41459558
That seems to be more in character than lol kill them all

>>41459583
>>Clasp your uncle's shoulder and thank him

>>41459583
>visit the maester to send the ravens

>>
>Clasp your uncle's shoulder and thank him

>>41459583
>Clasp your uncle's shoulder and thank him

>>41459583
>Clasp your uncle's shoulder and thank him
>see the son
>then sworn swords

>>41459583
>Clasp your uncle's shoulder and thank him
War council with our sworn swords and son, tell 'em of the plan and look for input if they have something to add.
Then the ravens.

>>41459583
>Clasp your uncle's shoulder and thank him

>>41459583
>Clasp your uncle's shoulder and thank him

>see your son first
tell him that if you should fall in battle then he is to be your heir. Gotta secure the lineage of your house first.

>>41459583
>Uncle's shoulder
>Ask him to send ravens under your name
>Sworn swords
>Son later

>>41459702
He's a bastard, not an heir.

>>41459702
No he is a bastard we need a proper heir no other Lords would respect a Bastard lord

>>41459702
Bastard's are unable to retain land unless legitimized, and Trystan is still a bastard

>>41459583

>Thank Uncle, send him to the maester to send the ravens

>Summon your swords to meet you in the Hall

So I know its way early, but what do you all think of legitimizing our bastard? Just opening thoughts since he's been with us for most of his life.

>>41459807
I'd have to say no, I understand that he's been with us for his lifetime, but to do so would essentially ruin our political image

>>41459807

Poor idea, Tywin wouldn't like it. Doesn't mean we can't groom him and bring him into the fold. Will make a good Master of Arms in time

>>41459863
Agreed, we could make a cadet branch house though.

>>41459807
Nah, if the Frey's are any indication we've plenty of time still. We just need a fertile young lady and we'll be rolling in kids.

>>41459702
I'm this guy so I agree with this >>41459807
A true heir should have been sired in our youth, but now... do we really have time to take a wife and bring up a son, while also trying to bring glory/fortune to our house?

>>41459883

If he earns that honor from the king then great for him.

>>41459912
Dude we are 38. We got plenty of time. Marry some 16 year old girl and pump some babies into her

>>41459807
It'd require a favor from Tywin, who is currently the Hand of the King and would be able to influence the Mad King into signing the right papers.

We should only do this if we prove incapable of siring a legitimate heir, if the legitimate heir proves to be useless or if Trystan proves to be particularly talented. It's a last ditch thing that we should only engage in should no other options present themselves. Not only that but it's a long-term thing.

>>41459583

>thank him
>send ravens
>swords

Sorry for not quoting, but I'm on my phone. So what I'm hearing is our bastard is a bastard...but hes worthy other than that, so we treat him right and make sure others treat him right as well.

>>41459959
We're grooming him for command if I remember correctly.

>>41459959

We simply give him the means to succeed. If he was to fail or be dishonorable we certainly would not help him as he brought it upon himself. We keep him at an arm's length for political reasons.

You clasp your uncle's shoulder, returning the smile. "If it weren't for you, uncle, I would have no home to return to. It was unwise for me to stay away from our lands for so long, and though this will take time, I plan to see our House reborn - and you will be at my side when that happens."

Your words stir your uncle's old heart, his grim exterior relaxing for a moment. "Get on with you, Garrette. We'll celebrate together once it is done, not before," he replied, patting your arm in return.

"If you could draft letters to Marbrand and Balefort in my name, uncle, I will sign them prior to riding out," you ask, before turning to leave, heading out towards the main hall.

Sitting inside, eating breakfast, is your bastard son, Trystan Hill, still wearing the leather armour from his sparring outside. "Good morning, m'lord," he said, looking up from his plate. "How are you faring today?"

>Give suggestions on what to talk about

>>41460100
Ask him how his training is going

>>41460100
Ask him how he's faring, tell him were preparing to deal with the bandits.

>>41460100
How fares the men? Any trainees show promise? How are you today?

>>41460100
Tell him we'll be moving against the bandits soon. We'll be placing him in command of a small section of men. He's ready.
Does he know anything about the recent raids? Has he fought these bandits much while we've been away?

>>41460100
This >>41460134
Also probe him for anything that he might show an affinity for. This could help us guide him into a position later on in life that'll keep him close.

>>41460224
This.

Also perhaps we should draft another message for the ravens to other house lords to see if any have a daughter they want to marry off. We could use this marriage to bind our house with another and use our combined military forces to deal with bandits & eventually the ironborn raiders.

Or try to get soldiers as a dowry.

>>41460341
Nah bro. HDW all the way.

>>41460341
We should put out feelers first, not directly ask. Should probably wait until were done with bandits too.

>>41460341
No, we're waiting for more choices and political moving. Also HDW

>>41460369
>>41460388
[Not the same Anon, but what is HDW? Sorry, new to this]

>>41460420
Hot Dornish Wife

>>41460420
Hot Dornish Wife
a /tg/ tradition that noone ever actually gets

>>41460341
We want them coming to us not the other way around we must do something of note

>>41460420
Hot dornish wife. Which is currently stupid as we're a banner house with no power in the middle of nowhere and anon should try to remember that.

Aw shit son we can have a major part in the Greyjoy's Rebellion. Best get our shit together with a quickness.

>>41460420

Handsome Dornish Waif

>>41460453
That may not even happen since Aerys is still on the throne

>>41460453
Robert hasn't rebelled yet, Aerys is still king.

>>41460382
>>41460443
Alpha answers. Sorry I'm not as good with the wiminz.

>>41460432
Ah I see. This plz.

>>41460448
you missed the other threads didn't you? we totally discussed this at length and how it was possible.

>>41460448
>>41460440
>>41460432
Aspirational. I like it.

"Good morning, Trystan," you say, walking over to sit at the table with him for a moment. "How goes your training? I saw you a couple of days ago, you're showing promise."

Trystan smiled for a moment before hiding it, pleased at the praise, though he knew you meant it in general, rather than as your son. "Thank you, m'lord. Ser Tommos says that I have become quite skilled since I became his squire. I lost by only one round to Ser Devin with spears yesterday, and this morning managed to hit all of my targets with my lance. Ser Lambert believes I will be a fine addition to his cavalry in time. I've yet to ride into battle against anything other than a wooden target, though, but I'm sure that time will come."

A sense of pride runs through you, though you know you shouldn't. He might be a bastard, and you tend to treat him like any other man under your command, but seeing your own blood following in your footsteps, becoming a warrior, warms your heart.

"Well, you shall have a chance to prove yourself in combat alongside me soon, Trystan. I plan to rout the bandits that have been plaguing these lands, and you will be given troops of your own to command. If you could call my sworn swords to the hall, I plan to go over it with you all."

"Of course, my lord. Thank you," he replied, elated at the chance to prove himself in front of his father, before running out to the training ground outside, and after a few minutes, leading your sworn men inside.

>>41460448
Don't crush people's dreams anon.

Besides our Influence puts us at Frey/Mormont levels, we're actually not that poor off just a bit battered presently.

>>41460443

We need to fuck some bandits in the ass with our spear

Fuck yeah, House Brachen Quest!

>>41460100
Ask about military matters, the state of the men etc.

As I recall we agreed to treat him like an officer we have a vested interest in.

>>41460522
And that's another thing I take issue with but can not change. Spears are the weapons of the common folk not befitting of a Lord.

>>41460448
In terms of Westerland politics, we're probably in Tywin's inner circle. We have at least some influence.

>>41460553
It's the weapon of a soldier

>>41460486
>>41460487

I'm pretty sure that's going to happen. Divergent timelines yes, but kind of hard to skip over major plot points like that.

>>41460502
I was here for the initial thread. I missed however many between that. I still personally still think HDW is stupid, but I'll check out the other threads.

>>41460553
Well get over it. Already voted on, already established.

>>41460587
Second thread near the end.

>>41460514
So we need to clean up and likely gain some lands before we attract interest from anyone, much less dorn. I'm not completely against HDW, but it will be a ridiculous undertaking.

>>41460572
A common soldier perhaps not a Knight or Lord we have the money to use proper weapons like a Morningstar to longsword.

>>41460608
And I said I could not change it doesn't mean I can't take issue with it.

>>41460341
Really I think we should clear the bandits from our land first, that makes us a more attractive marriage prospect.

>>41460369
>>41460388
>>41460432
>>41460440
>>41460514

Sadly, HDW nets us no benefit. If we want a marriage that will actually secure us something of worth (like Trade or an ally that can provide actual military assistance) we'll want a prospect from a House on the East coast of Westeros. That includes Northerners, Riverlands, Westerlands and Tyrells (Fuck Ironborn).

Anything else just can't possibly be of tangible benefit.

Ser Tommos walked in with his old half-plate armour, a well worn set that had been gifted to him by your father before you were born. Beside him were Ser Lambert, a strong swordsman and an expert on horseback, who had been leading your cavalry for several years, and Ser Devin, his olive skin, light armour and spear betraying his Dornish skirmisher heritage. Both Devin and Lambert had a sweat, obviously having been caught mid-duel when Trystan had called them.

"I'd have beaten you had it not been for your sneakiness, Devin. You don't fight honestly," Lambert muttered as he entered, obviously sore on being beaten by a man eight years younger than him.

"If fighting honestly gets me killed, I'll stick with my spear and feints, if it's all the same," Devin replied, before Tommos cleared his throat to shut them up.

"My lord, Trystan here says that you wanted us, that you plan to rid the lands of those bandit rabble," he said, before nodding in agreement. "It's about time, if it please my lord. What do you have planned?"

>Ideas for tactics/timing/etc please

>>41460678
Could we fake a merchant caravan to draw them out?

>>41460672
But we could be the first GOT quest to actually get a HDW!

>>41460553
It makes slightly more sense given that we are no stranger to fighting at sea. (Doesn't it?)

>>41460678
Hit them at night whilst they are sleeping/drunk, hit and run tactics as we're in no position to lose any large number of men

>>41460678
Overwhelming force on the professional bandits, hopefully only after sneaking close to them.

>>41460587
It's really just hyping up a halfway-meme, common sense will win out in the end I hope.

(The only way we can finally secure a HDW is a quest on a house based -in- Dorne.)

>>41460678
Take the bandits at first light, run them thru with Calv. Rangers attack on their flank with basic clean up. Round them up, give them their sentences.

>>41460678
We need information first, we need to recon

>>41460709
Not a bad idea, but more likely to attract the professional banditry than the rabble no?

>>41460727
No need to play shy with the peasant rabble since they wouldn't be able to stand up to any sort of concerted charge, let alone Cavalry.


>>41460678
Locate their hideout with the Guerilla's, lock them in place and ride them down.

>>41460678
>>41460709
>Fake a merchant caravan
Something like this, perhaps? Could hid a few well-armed troops with the caravan, maybe tail it with some cavalry. They're unlikely to attack with all their force. More likely to send a couple of dozen or something to take it. Try to capture some when they do - find out where they're camped out, make a decision from there on what to do?

>>41460672
We had a halfway decent justification for it at the end of the last thread. It is not out of the range of possibilities, and we're an important enough House to marry bigger. That and it would make a lot of interesting plot points given what's coming up and would be fun.

>>41460823
Thank you, don't know why people feel the need to shutdown other people.

>>41460814
We're going for the professional bandits first, not the farmer rabble. Possible risk of attracting Castamere company, admittedly. Make sure to run the caravan in the area raided by the bandits (road to Wyndhall?) rather than that where Castamere company operates.

>>41460814
They live in different territories, should be easy to avoid the company.

>>41460678
Is it possible to disguise some of our men in the garb of either the Castemere company or the professional bandits and use hit & run tactics on the other band? This way we could goad one into attacking the other thinning both of their ranks.

>>41460678
I am also a bit concerned that while operating against the Professional Bandits, we not neglect to take precautions against the Castamere company. A proper military 'defence' is untenable, but we should make sure to at least assign some cavalry patrols to make getting a warning out possible. Maybe send a Knight round some of the villages to see if they at least have some little fortified storehouses or enclosures to keep animals and crops in.

>>41460915
Seems like a good way to get our own men labeled as the bandit menace.

>>41460944
That is a fantastic Idea

>>41460823
>We had a halfway decent justification for it at the end of the last thread
Other than marrying into the biggest rivals of the Martell's? But really, what does HDW gain us? (Apart from the HDW of course)

>>41460860
Calm down, mate. I'm not disagreeing with HDW out of an inherent need to shut down your ideas, I'm disagreeing with HDW because it's stupid :^)

"My plan is twofold," You reply, having formulated a cunning deception that would allow you to wipe out the bandits wholesale. "First we send a caravan, made to look as merchants, along the Coast Road towards Solitude. On board will be a number of our veterans, and they will be trailed at distance by cavalry and our rangers. When the brigands fall upon the caravan, they will not only find it defended by some of our finest troops, but our horse will ride them down like the scum they are."

"We will leave some of them alive, and take them captive, and through interrogation, learn the location of their lair. We shall then send our rangers into the mountains in the evening to scout them out, to ensure our information is correct. Finally, come first light, we will crash upon them as the waves hit the shore. Any left alive will be pressed into labour, sent to the wall, or executed, whichever they choose."

Ser Lambert spoke up first. "I am not keen on the use of deception, my lord. We should go into the mountains in force and seek them out."

"You cannot fight bandits as you would an army, Ser Lambert," Devin interjected, "as we would lose men to ambush, or never find them at all. I approve of our lord's plan."

"I must say I agree with Ser Devin, my lord," Tommos said finally. "We put them on the back foot, and use their greed against them. I can have the men organised for this afternoon, if you so wish."

>Have him organise it now?

>If so, what do you do for the rest of the day?

>>41461056
First wasn't my original idea, second kek
>>41461072
let's get it done now.

>>41461072
have him organise it now

>>41461072
Now.

>>41460944
Unless they have inside information (very unlikely) they won't know we're launching a campaign against bandits in the region. Warning the smallfolk to lock up their livestock and crops however, even temporarily, would definitely clue any observer in that something was up.

I'd say we smash the Professional Bandit and Peasantry Bandit groups in quick succession, then we can focus on patrolling the region with Geurilla's and Cavalry as a deterrent method.

Right now I'm in favour of keeping the cavalry on hand in their entirety to ensure we overwhelm the other two bandit groups with ease.

>>41461072
Organize now. Speak to maester about unique trades we could get into/work towards, he likely has knowledge of those.

>>41461072
Have him organise it now

Spend the rest of the day fantasizing about HDW and realize you really need a wife

>>41461072
Do it now.

>>41461166
I second this, also ask the maester about his training as a maester

>>41461166
Sending this, but only so we can talk about glass works

>>41461153
True, we don't have a lot of cavalry, perhaps best not to split it. Hopefully these bandits will be dealt with quickly.

>>41461174
This

>>41461072
>Now
We Ride.

(Ask for Trystan's input, we intend to make in an officer in due time.)

>Rest of the Day
Familiarize ourselves with the troops, talk to the Ranger captain (if that is the appropriate rank) and the cavalry.

Put Trystan with our best fighters in the caravan, offer each man a week's pay. It would be a pittance for us but appreciated given that for a short while they'll be holding off superior numbers.

>>41461291
Seconded.

"See it is done - tomorrow, we will have one less bandit group to plague our lands, and allow us to build on what we have, before striking out against the scourge of the Castamere Company,"

"As you will, m'lord, we will see it done, and scatter these scum before us."

The knights bowed to you, and headed out into the grounds outside Brachenhall, sending out word to rally the men for this afternoon.

You stop Trystan before he followed the others out, looking him in the eye. "Trystan, you shall lead the men in the merchant caravan that will act as the trap for the outlaws. I want you to choose a dozen of our best men, those who you know will follow your orders and stand with you, and prepare for your part. Should all go to plan, I will give you command of a unit in the final strike against the bandit camp. Don't let me down."

"Of course, my lord, and thank you for this opportunity!" he replied eagerly, before composing himself, bowing to his father, and went off after your other sworn swords.

For the rest of the afternoon, you spent time with the men, gauging their thoughts of what was to come. They seemed up for the fight, glad for a chance to kill those who had harassed their families for too long.

You also spoke with Maester Gregor, a man roughly your own age, but knowledgeable and skilled with ravens. He generally concurred with your uncle's suggestions, though put forward the idea of seeking out a Guild-trained shipwright or stonemason, to develop your port and hall.

>>41461518
What links does Maester Gregor have?

>>41461647
I'd say sea. Having a navy only rivaled by the one in Lannsport would put us strongly ahead of other Houses and better prepared for the dick head iron born.

>>41461518
>shipwright or stonemason

The question for us players is do we focus more on land or sea?

I know it's not exclusive, but given equal choice between the two how should we decide?

>>41461701
For now we focus on our lands, then when it's all safe and prosperous, we bring that focus to the sea.

>>41461700
>>41461701
Sorry about that, but after I posted that the first time I realized I had commited a crime against language.

Your uncle approached you also, with the drafts of the letters you had asked for that morning. He showed you the letter intended for Ashemark first.

"Dear Lord Damon Marbrand,

As a fellow bannerman to our lord, Tywin Lannister, and our faithful neighbour of the Tumblestones, it grieves me to say that I have discovered that the deserters and bandits residing in the mountains betwixt our lands are not only the remains of the army of House Reyne, may the Father judge them harshly, but are lead by a bastard of that same House, Ser Anthony Hill.

That the blood of Castamere, even carried in a bastard, is allowed to continue living, after their treachery and rebellion against our liege, is an afront to the honour and duty of all loyal bannermen of Casterly Rock.

I have word that they number two hundred and fifty men, and though my men are valiant and veterans of war, with them hiding in the mountains, we would not be able to guarantee their erradication, and the idea of having these vermin emerge in years hence sickens me to my soul.

If you seek closure to the Rebellion, and peace in our lands, join forces with mine own, so we might purge the Westerlands of traitor blood.

Regards,

Garrette Brachen, Lord of Brachenhall, Warden of the Tumblestone Coast"

The letter to House Balefort reads the same.

>suggestions on changes, or keep as is

>>41461701
I'd say we should focus on the sea, as we want to remove the blight that is the Ironborn

>>41461518
>>41461701
Let's focus on a shipwright and a port. A strong navy can keep the ironborn at bay, so to speak.

>>41461701
Sea. Defence against pirates and Ironborn (pah, what difference?), and a good maritime infrastructure should help connect us with other coastal areas of the Westerlands.

>>41461732

>>41461732
If possible, try to mention the king's peace in some way

>>41461732
Sounds good to me.

>>41461584
His chain is made of black iron, bronze, copper, electrum, yellow gold, pewter, steel and silver.

He's not an exceptionally experienced maester, but he is knowledgeable about those things which he has links for, and passing knowledge in other things.

>>41461811
That was meant to indicate that it seems spot on.

>>41461701
>>41461647
I would say Sea.

Do unto the Ironborn as they have done unto us. Of course we won't see it as paying the iron price so much as taking back our shit they stole long ago.

That and, judging from the map, there's really not a whole lot of room to expand without affronting fellow Westerland houses.

However, Sailors alone won't secure any islands we seize. We'll need Infantry, good infantry, to actually carve out a slice of new territory.

>>41461732
This letter is good, but not enough to swing your average Lord into assisting us. We need to offer an incentive, such as:

"With these traitors purged, House Brachen may once again reap a bountiful harvest of Lumber and Foodstock. Of course our erstwhile neighbors would be the first to benefit from the renewed trade."

>>41461849
We shouldn't need to offer incentive, as Lord Marbrand should be aware of what the remnants of House Reyne mean. It was in our liege lords best interest to remove and it's in our best interest

>>41461849
Incentive is to get in good with the guy that has strong ties to their Liege Lord. If they can't see how building strong relations with us is a good idea after what Tywin did with our aid I doubt they're very intelligent lords at all.

>>41461849
>>41461914

So, vote:

>Keep the letter as it is, on the basis that Marbrand and Balefort will keep their oaths to the Lannisters; or

>Add in the offer of additional trade, just in case they are less honourable, but risk insulting them by slighting their honour

If you want help, you could roll 3d6 for Knowledge, to see if you can remember what their lords were like when you last met them.

>>41461985
>Keep the letter as it is, on the basis that Marbrand and Balefort will keep their oaths to the Lannisters; or

"Still We Stand", that is not because we're so unsure of ourselves, our allies or our own power that we have to bribe or coerce our own fellow Bannermen to fight with us.

>>41461985
I say we roll to see how that mechanic works.
New here

>>41461985
>>Keep the letter as it is, on the basis that Marbrand and Balefort will keep their oaths to the Lannisters;

They'd be stupid not to.

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

>>41461985
rolling for knowledge

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

>>41461985
>Keep the letter as it is, on the basis that Marbrand and Balefort will keep their oaths to the Lannisters

Perhaps if they are still recalcitrant send a more 'wink-wink nudge-nudge' letter, but no need to risk insult them now.

(Rolling 3d6 anyway)

>>41461985
First one.

We'd be better off allowing them the chance to say no. They do so, we send a Raven to Tywin telling him the circumstances, and get official decree to take back our land, by force.

>>41461732

it's Banefort not Balefort

>>41462063
This is best. If they say no we might be able to get Tywin to send forces on our side.

>>41462090
Of course then we'd be seen as a little child who had to go to their parent to get their way

>>41462090
Absolutely not.

>>41461985
>Keep the letter as it is, on the basis that Marbrand and Balefort will keep their oaths to the Lannisters;

>>41462026
You remember Damon Marbrand as an honourable and courageous warrior, who fought by your side several times during the War of the Ninepenny Kings and the Rebellion.

Meanwhile, Quenten Banefort, though dutiful to Tywin Lannister, has always disliked you - he is cunning and ruthless, and his House has been rivals with yours since the time of the First Men.

>>41462015
>>41462018
>>41462049
>>41462063

"That letter will do fine, thank you Uncle. Please have it sent today, we would rather not be kept waiting to hear their response."

"As you say, nephew, it shall be with them by tonight," he replied, before heading back up to his rooms.

>skip to the afternoon, or do other things?

>>41461985
>Keep it as it is.
If they reject, we needn't go crying to Tywin. We keep it in our back pocket, and in the meantime figure out an alternative stratagem for dealing with the rebels.

>>41462223
>skip to the afternoon

It's bandit hunting time

>>41462223
Go practice with your spear, if not that then discuss the idea of obtaining a shipwright further with the Maester

>>41462223
Retrieve our dog, Ser Devin for company and protection and go for a jaunt down to the docks. See what we're working with down there right now.

>>41462316
I think walking our dog every other day should definitely be a thing! But let's save it as a morning routine, after we deal with the bandits today.

>>41462223
See about getting a shipwright...maybe from Dorne (wink wink)

>>41462285
>>41462316

Maester Gregor says that you will need a fair coin or two to lure a skilled shipwright away from the likes of Lannisport, Kings Landing or Highgarden, but he could send a raven to Oldtown to see if any of his associates at the Citadel know of a shipwright seeking employment.

After that, you spend an hour or so practising your spearwork with Ser Devin. Though he is fast, you are the stronger, and so are fairly even, though it is obvious that he could continue fighting long after you had collapsed with exhaustion - the benefits of youth.

You then spend the rest of the afternoon at the docks with Rufus, who enjoys the company and walk. Currently, only fishermen and their small boats line the docks, your three galleys are all away patrolling the coast currently.

Once you return, you find the mock caravan set up, with Trystan and a half dozen men sat with woolen blankets covering their armour on the sides of the wagon, with another dozen more inside the covered wagon, ready to defend against attack. Your cavalry, rangers, and personal guard are all ready and waiting as well, all laid out in their ranks, 220 men in total, a decent fighting force.

"We're ready when you are, my lord," Ser Tommos said, stepping forward. "They're ready and eager for vengeance. Has your plan remained the same, or have you had any extra thoughts? Otherwise, I will give the word to march, if it please you."

>>41462569
It remains the same, give the word to march

>>41462569
Let's march.

>>41462569
March on.

>>41462569
Let's go!

>>41462569
Ambush Caravan, Transform and Roll Out

>>41462569
We gots bandits to kill, let's go son.

"It remains the same. Gods speed to us, sers."

"It's the bandit scum that'll be needing the Gods, m'lord. They won't know what hit them," Ser Tommos replied, before turning to the assembled soldiery. "Men of Brachenhall, you know our task, you know what our lord expects, and you know the vengeance in your own hearts. Keep to the valleys and forest to mask our forces, we cannot afford to let the scum see our approach. WE STILL STAND!" He shouted out, to cheers from the ranks, which carried on for a full minute before quieting down "Now move out, and let us bring justice to them, in the name of the Father."

The men saluted, before their own serjeants directed them out of the hold's walls, and down along the Coast Road, towards your first taste of battle in your own lands for some time.

>>41462777

The men of Brachenhall followed their orders well, keeping a good distance from the caravan wagon with your son and his troops onboard, to ensure that any lookouts for the bandits didn't spot the approaching army. It took around 3 hours of marching, with the sun beginning to wain in the sky, before Ser Devin approached you.

"My lord, one of the soldiers in the back of the wagon has waved a flag to us. It seems one of them might have spotted a brigand gang further up the road."

Looking yourself, you could see the signal now it had been pointed out, and so you held up your hand to stop the column.

You approached Ser Lambert, who was talking with his cavalry, all of whom saluted as you approached.

"Your time is soon, Ser Lambert. Have the men ready to ride at a moment's notice. As soon as the bandits are close enough that they cannot flee from our horse, charge."

"Aye my lord, we'll be ready," he replied, obviously still uncomfortable with using traps rather than straightforward fighting, but prepared to do his duty, as were his men.

A few moments later, you could see a band of what must be around two score of bandits, half with swords, the others bows, running from the woods towards your son's wagon. You only hoped he was ready for them.

>roll 3d6 for stealth, to see if they had spotted any of your troops prior to them attacking, and then 6d6 (you'll be keeping the top 5) for initiative.

>>41463079

Rolled 6, 1, 2 = 9 (3d6)

>>41463079
Okay, rolling for Stealth.

Rolled 3, 1, 6 + 6 = 16 (3d6 + 6)

>>41463079

File: 1230106006384.jpg (124 KB, 640x480)

124 KB JPG

Rolled 1, 3, 4, 1, 1, 3 = 13 (6d6)

>>41463125
>>41463079

Rolled 2, 1, 2, 3, 6, 3, 6, 3, 1 = 27 (9d6)

>>41463079

Rolled 6, 6, 1, 6, 5, 1 = 25 (6d6)

>>41463079

Rolled 3, 2, 3, 1, 1, 5 = 15 (6d6)

>>41463134
Sorry about that, rolling for initiative

Rolled 1, 5, 3, 6, 6, 1 = 22 (6d6)

>>41463079

Well that's a proper mess of numbers. I don't think this system quite works.

>>41463204
He just averages all the numbers for individual dice together. Or take the first set of dice that were rolled, which would be >>41463125 for stealth and >>41463143 for initiative.

Rolled 3, 5, 1 = 9 (3d6)

>>41463079

Rollin for the stealth, assuming it's top five for both sets, rather than top five total.

How do you guys roll and put it in bold?

>>41463295
< roll>dice+#ofdice D #ofsides</roll>

>>41463295
"dice+4d6" would roll 4d6, read the first post in the catalog

>>41463344
In the email field and without quotation marks

>>41456560
Why would you choose a name so similar to House Bracken?

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

>>41463079
Sneaky-sneak

>>41463134 - total 10
>>41463162 - total 24

"CHARGE!"

The word echos for what seems like eternity, before you, Ser Lambert, and the twenty other knights around you spur your horses and surge out of the trees, getting half way towards the brigands before they even knew what was happening.

Your son's troops equally caught them off guard, diving from the wagon and charging towards their erstwhile attackers, who were so shocked to see the cavalry appear from nowhere that your son's soldiers are amongst their swordsmen before they knew it.

As you approach, you saw your son deftly deflect a sword blow with the shaft of his spear, before plunging the spearhead into the bandit's throat, kicking him to the ground.

And then... your cavalry hits.

>roll 4d6 (keep 3) for your men's attack, and 5d6 (keep 4) for your own. You roll 1 less dice because your charged, but you do more damage instead.

Rolled 1, 5, 1, 4, 4, 4 = 19 (6d6)

>>41463079
>>41463410
Initiative

Rolled 4, 6, 5, 4 = 19 (4d6)

>>41463428

Rolled 4, 1, 3, 6 = 14 (4d6)

>>41463428
Ride Now, Ride for Ruin!

Rolled 6, 1, 5, 3 = 15 (4d6)

>>41463428
Let's a go

Rolled 6, 4, 2, 4 = 16 (4d6)

>>41463428
Rolling.

Rolled 6, 6, 1, 1, 1 = 15 (5d6)

>>41463463
>>41463428
Personal attack

Rolled 4, 6, 2, 6, 1 = 19 (5d6)

>>41463428

Rolled 4, 2, 3, 4, 3 = 16 (5d6)

>>41463470
Now for our attack

Rolled 2, 1, 3, 1, 5 = 12 (5d6)

>>41463428

Like slaughtering crabs in a bucket.

Rolled 3, 2, 6, 2, 1 = 14 (5d6)

>>41463428

>>41463512
Wouldn't it be smarter to put them in a pot and slowly raise the temperature?

File: House Brachen doesn't fuc(...).jpg (65 KB, 620x578)

65 KB JPG

>>41463578
We're a Lord, not a cook. So we probably have never even thought about it like that.

>Lord Brachen still thinks the cooks have to deal with pic-related to make his supper

>>41463389
Anons chose it. I'd actually completely forgotten about House Bracken.

Not that it matters a lot, lots of Houses share similar names.

>>41463454 - Total 13
>>41463484 - Total 14

The cavalry slams into the side of the infantry, before half of them continue on towards the archers. Their swords cut through the bandits like scythes through wheat, scattering hands and arms as the brigands rose their weapons to defend themselves, and more than a couple of bandits left disemboweled on the grass.

The horsemen's armour protected them from what few return blows they received, these scum never having fought fully armoured soldiers before. A couple of the archers managed to let loose arrows, one of which caught a cavalryman in the shoulder, but nothing fatal, as the wounded soldier then cut down the man who shot him.

As your troops butcher the bandits, you see 2 bandits, one wielding a two handed sword, the other a sword and shield, including heraldry, cornering Trystan, who is holding them off, but is at the disadvantage.

>do you go to help your son?
>if so, which man do you go for

>Either way, 6d6 (keep 4) for your spear attack

Rolled 5, 4, 5, 3, 2, 5 = 24 (6d6)

>>41463651
>Go after the twohander

>>41463651
>I'd actually completely forgotten about House Bracken.
You'd make a terrible scribe. How could you forget about the true kings of the Riverlands?

Is it pronounced with a hard ck-sound or a soft sh-sound?

>>41463651
>Help son
>Man in Heraldry

Rolled 4, 4, 4, 3, 1, 2 = 18 (6d6)

>>41463651
I'd like to help him
The one with a shield

Rolled 4, 4, 5, 1, 5, 2 = 21 (6d6)

>>41463651
>>41463695

Rolled 2, 1, 4, 6, 5, 4 = 22 (6d6)

>>41463651
>help son
>Sword and Shield

Of course, we're only helping him because he's an officer in need. Not like we're doing it because we're related or anything...

As soon as we finish helping him, we search around for anyone else that's in trouble, ignoring our son for the time being.

>>41463693
But anon, the Riverlands ain't shit compared to the Westerlands. That's why they might lose, maybe, possibly, in the future, in a war that might not end up happening.

>>41463690 - Total 19
>Man with shield/heraldry

Your horse surges forward, your spear aimed at the man wielding the sword and shield, who turned at the last moment at the sound of your hooves, placing his shield between yourself and him. It made little difference, however - your boar spear punched straight through the shield, into the shoulder of the man, who screamed out in pain as the spear punched through his back, literally skewering him like a stuck pig.

A quick tug pulled the spear from the man, though you had given your son enough time, and caused a significant enough distraction, to allow him to punch his spear into the stomach of the second bandit, twisting the weapon and disemboweling the man, who slumped to the ground, dead.

Looking around, few of the bandits remained, the few swordsmen left throwing down their weapons in surrender, and the bowmen dying one by one as they were run down while routing by your cavalry.

The man you had pierced groaned, coughing up blood - he was still alive, just about.

>what do you want to do now?
>Also, fucking hell gents, you absolutely murdered them

>>41463956

Interrogate a bandit for the location and positioning of the camp

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41 KB JPG

>>41463956

Fucking HOWOOO

>>41463956
Slit the pierced man's throat to give him a quick death, and then round up the remaining bandits and interrogate them

>>41464028

Fuck him, let him bleed out. Get to business on interrogating a bandit.

>>41463956
Arguing against >>41464028, he's a filthy bandit. Nothing more.

Let our lads interrogate the survivors while their dying scream around them. First to talk get to go to The Wall, the rest get the hangman's noose.

>>41464000
Mere bandits, anon. Nothing to be too proud of.

HOWOO

>>41464154
We aren't a filthy Northerner anon

>>41464110

Keep the living ones alive in the dungeons(if we have one) and use them for manual labor. We'll have that lumber mill up soon. When a Nights Watch recruiter comes along give them to him to take to the Wall

>>41464217
I disagree, an example needs to be made. These aren't disgruntled peasants or starving deserters desperate for a feed. These are professional bandits, the Night's Watch should be a mercy for the co-operative, not a go-to option for the standard bandit.

>>41464217
Yeah no, They get theh angman's noose

>>41464289
>>41464343

Clearly I'm out matched. Kill them all then

The screams of the dying wallow over the plain, as your cavalry chase down the last few archers to a man. Your son walks up to your horse with a smile plastered across his face. "I would have been fine, my lord, but thank you for the assistance. I hope I did my job to your satisfaction?"

"More than satisfied, thank you Trystan. I can tell you have excelled in your training. You've done me proud," you replied, dropping down from your charger to look at the remains of your foes.

"Men, keep those who are alive, we'll send them back to the dungeons, for forced labour or execution. See if any of them will talk, we need the location of their camp," you shout out, as your men begin to pile up the dead bodies to burn.

The man with the shield groaned and tried to lift himself, to which your son responded by putting his speartip to his chest. "Don't move, scum. We have questions for you..."

>roll 4d6 (keep 4) for Persuasion, unless you can figure out a way to 'convince' him to tell you what he knows, in which case, 5d6 (keep 4). Give me a write up of what you are telling him if you want to use Convince.

Rolled 3, 2, 2, 5 = 12 (4d6)

>>41464442

Rolled 3, 6, 5, 6 = 20 (4d6)

>>41464442

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

>>41464442
Easy.

If he talks, he goes to the Wall. If he doesn't we hang him, after he's suffered enough.

Rolled 5, 4, 1, 3 = 13 (4d6)

>>41464442
>my name's Sheppard, I'm a specter.

Rolled 2, 2, 2, 4, 1 = 11 (5d4)

>>41464442

"If you tell me what you know, I will have you treated by a Maester, and your life will be spared."

>>41464289
Agreed. To those who talk, the Wall.

For everyone else, lets litter the nearby trees with their hanging corpses.