You awaken to the sound of your adoptive father yelling your name. Your eyes lazily creep open as you begin to rise from your bed, head pounding as if a blacksmith was striking it with a hammer. You had spent your last night in the Weeping Town as any young man might, stinking drunk with your friends and looking for trouble. After throwing on your clothes,
a simple brown woolen shirt and pants, tied at the waist with a belt of leather, you descend from upstairs into your families common room, finding your foster family and their guest, Harold Whitehead. A cousin to the lord of the Weeping Town, he had introduced himself as the steward of Oakmoss last week, and come with an armed guard and sealed letter summoning you
to accompany him back across the rainwood to meet with your father. Your true father.

"Rough night?" your foster father asks disapprovingly. Kris had never approved of your temper, always saying that it was as much a storm as your were.

You grimace and shake your head. "Went down to the Loon with Gage and Pieter, stayed out of trouble for the most part" The three of you made for a quarrelsome trio. Gage was a hunter, someone who could sneak up on an owl if he wished to, while Pieter was in the town watch which made dealing with the guards easier after a brawl. Combined with your learning and
wit, you had a reputation for trouble as only young men with something to prove could.

Before anything can escalate, Harold coughs and pipes up "Perhaps we should get a move on. We've much to do before we leave today, and seeing as it's currently not raining I'd like to leave as soon as possible." He was an old man, long in the tooth, and the cold and damp of the stormlands was sure to set into his bones. "We've still to pick up your new raiment
from the seamster, gather provisions for the journey and prepare the horses. I'll let you say farewell" as he stands and makes for the door.

And with that, you say your goodbyes. You hug your foster mother, Mina, and she has tears in her eyes, telling you to stay safe and be sure to return. You half wrestled, half hugged Kris and Mina's twin boys, Chriss and Stoff, lads at the tender age of 11, and finally you came to Kris himself. The annoyance on his face had faded, and he looked upon you with sad eyes as you shook
hands. Common brown staring into stormy grey. The hand shake turns into a warm embrace. Despite your differnces, he had still raised you, and there was a genuine love between you. "Wait!" he says hurriedly as you begin to turn away and he ducks into the next room, coming back with a wrap of leather that he places on the table softly. Unfolding the over, you find
three books, painstakingly put together and bound. "I don't know if there is a library where your going, and I know the only that keeps you from fighting and drinking is reading, so you'd better take these if I'm not going to be there to keep an eye on you" he says warmly.

File: Oakmoss.jpg.jpg (134 KB, 1000x647)

134 KB JPG

You look upon the three books, recognizing two of them as books that you'd scrivened copies of yourself. "The Vagaries of Weather and Climate" by a Maester Tytos and Maester Irwin's "Complete Encyclopedic Catalogue of the Flora and Fauna of Westeros". The natural world had always fascinated you and the gesture of months of labour that must have gone into making
them was not lost on you. You smile warmly and look at the last book, a book you yourself had never read. "A History and details of the Noble Houses of the Stormlands" by Arch Maester Paddel. Your eyes rise to meet Kris and he smiles and says "Theres a reason your father has called you home, and if your to be living in a castle proper, I'll be damned if your not
going to know your Whiteheads from your Wyldes. You thank him, sincerely from the bottom of your heart. These books could have taken him over a year to make, and were worth a small fortune. With that, you walked out of the small townhouse to find Harold waiting for you.

"Mount up with haste, I've sent Ser Greyson and the lads to get some food together, and to prepare the horses. You and I need get your clothes and be on our way. We can't present you before your Lord father in those" he says looking at your garb with a scowl.

>Questions for Harold Whitehead, Steward of Oakmoss?

>>2907025
>Questions for Harold Whitehead, Steward of Oakmoss?

None

>>2907025
Why was I called? What’s the state of the world?
>Maester Irwin
Too soon

>>2907025
Nope, all will be revealed I suspect

File: Oakmoss Location.jpg (109 KB, 754x434)

109 KB JPG

You ride alongside Harold, and begin to start up a conversation with him regarding the reasons for summoning, he shuts you down, simply stating that "His Lordship had his reasons, and they are his to explain" before harrumphing into his beard.

You continue to ride at a leisurly pace for a while in silence, before you spy the seamsters shop up ahead, dismount and enter with Harold. As you enter the seamster eyes Harold and grins. "My Lord" he explaims loudly! Your clothes are ready, fine and expertly cut. My daughter and I have been working seamlessly since your commision. It was quite difficult to aquire enough fabric in so rich a midnight blue" he adds. "I'm sure you managed" said
Harold, rolling his eyes. "I trust you've also managed the travel wear as well?" The seamster smiles "Naturally, shall he be needing it today?" he inquires. "No, he needs it for next winter" Harold retorts dryly. You gather the package the seamster indicates and walk into a room and shrug out of your shirt. Opening the package you see a dark blue tunic, and a pair
woolen black breeches, along with a dark cloak, made of thicker wool, with a tighter weave. You change quickly and emerge, looking like a proper young lordling. You walk into the midst of haggling, as Harold hands over a considerable amount of silver. You leave the shop, not before catching the seamsters daughter eyeing you in a not so subtle fashion, and see
the knight and men Harold had come with the week before. The knight was a regal looking young man, similar in age to yourself, and wore a surcoat of muted orange with a black keep embroided over the heart, along with a brown cloak. Upon seeing you, he cooly introduces himself as Ser Greyson Peake, son of the Castellan of Oakmoss. You yourself mount your horse again. It was the most
noble animal you'd ever had the privilege to ride. Especially when compared to the family donkey you'd ridden when travelling to deliver the books Kris and yourself had made. The horse was black, with a white star on it's face, and it made even your dismal riding look regal. After your clothes and other vittles were loaded into saddlebags on a mule, your books carefully
wrapped and placed at the bottom of a leather saddle bag underneath your new clothes. You ride through ride the muddy streets of the Weeping Town, for what you now realize, could be the last time.

As you approach the gates, you find your old friend Pieter on gate duty. He looks nearly as hung over as you feel. At first he doesn't recognize you, but upon hearing you say his name he looks up with shock.
"That you Manfryd?" he exclaims, clearly shocked at the difference a set of new clothes can make. "The one and only" you respond cannily. "Aye well, best of luck if I don't see you again and ... well be careful, overheard a trader this morning talking about bandits on the rainroad. And now you won't have me or Gage to watch you back" he half jokes. He stiffens as his sergeants beady eyes fall on him, and he wishes you and your party
safe travels. There were no grand farewells nor heart throbbing good byes, this was life for the common born. Friends and family dissapeared, died or went missing all to often.

A short while down the road you hear Ser Grayson call out "Storm". You quicken your mounts pace to catch up and he stares at you, disdain clear upon his face. "Have you ever held a sword before?" he asks plainly. You respond with a simple no, you were a scribe, and although you had a powerful frame, and were notorious amongst the inns of the Weeping Town for brawling, a sword had never come into the picture. "Well, if we run into trouble, I expect you to stay
in between us and let us do the fighting understand? Lord Markus would have my hide if something ill befell you" He says the words with annoyance, clearly disliking the orders he has recieved, but he does them dutifully. "Understood Ser" you respond politely. You'd met his sort before, knights who frowned upon the baseborn, or the common, and it was never worth getting on their bad side. You settle into your saddle, and begin to ride the long ride to Oakmoss on the rain road,
beside the sea of Dorne and through the ancient forest that is the Rainwood.

You retire from the group, frustrated but full, nipping out to the stables to retrieve a book, and grab A History and details of the Noble Houses of the Stormlands. You flip the pages until you find a shield emblazoned with a black bat imposed over a blood moon, on a midnight field, with Kris' flowing script reading House Larkyn as the title of the chapter. Your fathers house. Your house now, and begin to read in quiet by the hearth. You flit through the pages until you come across a shield, midnight blue, with a black bat on a red moon as its charge. The word Larkyn, written in spidery script. And you begin to read. House Larkyn was a house that back nearly three hundred years, back to the conquering of the stormlands by Orys and Rhaenys. They had a reputation for warriors, and had a dark reputation that still lingered over their name from a past ruler, one named "Magnus the Dread".

You scoured the pages, and were completely engrossed. That is, until a man well in his cups stumbles by and nearly spills a mug of ale over you, and more importantly, your book. Your eyes flash up in anger, and tell him to watch where hes going. "Piss off'n ya lil' bastar r ull knock yer bloody teef ouw". Your eyes lock with his, so he can see the storm brewing inside them. This book was worth more than everything that drunk owned, more than his life even, and he had the audacity to declare you
in the wrong. You stand and place the book upon the side table, before cracking your knuckles and rolling your fingers. He turns and hawks a blob of spit in your face. And that was the end of your patience.

4d6 please, I'll take the best of three.

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

>>2907195
This updating and writing style seems familiar...

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

>>2907195

Rolled 6, 6, 6, 4 = 22 (4d6)

>>2907195
I really hope you aren't Father/Warrior, cause he's abandoned two SoIaF quests so far.

>Round 1

Roll (3d6+1D6) Fighting 18 vs Combat Defence 6 = 3 degrees of success.

2 damage*3 = 6

6 - 6 = 0

Drunk knocked the fuck out.

PS. I'm definitely not father, i just found his update and writing style to be easy to follow and enjoyable.

The drunk man staggers and swings at you, but in in his stupor doesnt account for reach. His swing falls short of your face by inches. In return, you follow with an uppercut to his gut, and you can hear the breath go from him. As he falls to his knees, you step back and deliver a viscous kick to the mans head, knocking him out cold, along with a few of his teeth that are now scattered on the floor. Your guard are barely out of their chairs before the scuffle is over with Marv and a few of the other lads laughing as they drag the drunken idiot out of the common room. Harold looks at you with wide eyes, while Ser Greyson looks at you with contempt in his eyes.

"What in the Seven fucking Hells do you think your doing bastard!! Do you think that just because your the only heir to fucking Oakmoss you can just go on carrying on as you like?"

This earns him a smack about the ear from Harold, along with a quiet whispered word,and he storms off to his room muttering under his breath.

Harold in turn summons you over, along with two fresh mugs of beer, and after dismissing the rest of the men begins to explain...

"Well, the cat is well out of the bag now" he starts. "No sense in trying to bundle it up again, so in plain and simple words, there is no trueborn heir to Oakmoss Manfryd. Your father sent you away after marrying his lady wife at Lady Helena's behest, as she assured him that she would give him many children, and they would fill the hole left behind by your absence. Needless to say that the promise of children never bore fruit, as she proved as barren as the deserts of Dorne. So after years of trying every possible fertility potion and salve, and magicks from Lys to Asshai, your father has chosen to name you his heir..."

>>2907232
>PS. I'm definitely not father, i just found his update and writing style to be easy to follow and enjoyable.

If you say so.

By the way, Can you show us our character sheet ?

Sorry guys, something just came up, ill be back in a few hours here. Ill post a character sheet when i get back.

>>2907264
He managed to get us legitimized ?

>>2907264
"Did they check to see if he was fucking the right hole?"

"H-heir? To Oakmoss?" you manage to stutter, after nearly choking on your beer.

"Yes, and in order to prevent a distant cousin form laying a claim upon the castle, your father has seen fit to bring you home. If not for you, the next heir would be a distant father of your cousins, a Lord Alesander Staedmon. A man whom your father has quarelled with for years. Your two families have been skirmishing over land and titles for decades, and despite a marriage union between them not a century ago, the conflict continues. I must appologize for the secrecy Manfryd, your father thought it
best to keep you in the dark. Should we have been attacked upon the road, and you captured by bandits or some agents of Lord Staedmon, your father thought it safer for you that you not know who you are until you were safely with Oakmoss herself." I know this may come as a shock, but I implore you to save your questions for your father as it is not my place to answer them and i am exhausted from our journey. The years take a toll upon an old man as I'm sure your foster father mentioned in his years,
but I digress. I shall see you upn the morrow.

~ The Next Day ~

After a hearty breakfast of cold meat and fried eggs over a fire, your party and yourself mount up and begin the last stretch of your journey, As you ride behind the main group, you catch up to Harold with questions on your mind.

Questions for Harold Whitehead?

>What are my fathers feelings?
>Who was my mother?
>What is expected of me?


Sorry guys, a friend of mine got tickets to an Ice-fight game, which than led to far too much alcohol being consumed. I'll be running tomorrow to try and make up for it. Thank ypou for your patience.

>>2908382
>>Who was my mother?

>>2908382
>What are my fathers feelings?
>I'm a bastard, that blood alone will make us enemies of all. Is this the only way?

>>2908619
+
Also the condition of "A History and details of the Noble Houses of the Stormlands" is really bad ?

>>2908382
>Who was my mother?
>What is expected of me?

>>2908382
>>What is expected of me?

>>2908382
>>What is expected of me?

The storm had not relented through the night, but your group pressed on regardless. The rest of your group looked well rested, but sleep had not come easily to you last night. There were far too many questions racing through your mind.

As you leave the coast and head deep into the trees, the sounds of the storm are swallowed up by the vegetation, and is soon quiet enough to ask Harold about the questions you've been brooding over all night.

"What am I going to do? What is expected of me?" you ask almost timidly.

Harold laughs at that. "Well I expect that your father will mold you into his heir. He'll teach you about combat and how to command men, he'll teach you about the etiquette and courtesies of a noble court. Luckily for him you already know how to read and write, but all in all you can expect to learn how to be a lord in the coming months."

"Surely there is another way, or someone else who already knows all of this?"

Oh to be sure there is Manfryd, but the true legal heir is the man who cost your father one of his eyes. The hatred Lord Markus bares for the Staedmons is palpable.

"So is that it? I'm just a tool in a struggle of succession and inheritance?"

Harold's old features soften at that and he scratches his chin through his beard.

"No, I remember the day you were sent away. Your father had just married, and his wife was proud. She didn't want the memory of another woman staring your father in the face. Together with your grandfather, Montifer, they instructed your father of what would be done. It was I who suggested that you be sent to the weeping town, as my cousin ruled over it from the weeping tower, and there we could provide you with an honest living befitting someone with your name. Yet nonetheless, your fathers heart was broken. He'd lost his love when your mother died giving birth to you, and than his son was taken from his arms. I should think he'll be over joyed to see his son again."

You stay quiet for a moment before asking "Did you know my mother?"

"All who lived within Oakmoss at the time knew her. She was a common born girl from the riverlands your father had met during his own fosterage there. He had came home a man, One and twenty, with a pregnant girl in tow. She was a kind and gentle woman, I believe her name was Pansy...or Tansy? She had a flowery name anyway, as many smallfolk women do. Your father had brought her home in his youthful ignorance, and was too stubborn to see that propriety would never allow for the two of them to be wed. And whilst I'm sure Lord Markus loves his lady wife, I've yet to see the looks in his eyes that he had for your mother.

File: oakmossinspo.jpg (24 KB, 334x390)

24 KB JPG

You ride on in silence, thinking on all that you've been told. After a few hours you enter a clearing and see it. A great and foreboding looking castle, sat upon a great spur of rock, with a set of walls sat below the crag guard what you assume to be the entrance to the castle. A large set of black oaken gates, each door with a bat carved into the wood, slowly swing open at your approach and you enter a large courtyard. Men are being drilled, and there is much commotion when people see you. The sulking Ser Greyson takes off to catch up with a few of the men in armor, whilst Harold instructs you to follow him. After stabling your horses, you ascend a flight of stairs which cuts through the spur of rock itself, only wide enough for two men to walk abreast. As you reach the top of the stair case, you find yourself walking a stone bridge towards a grey keep, with towers coming out of it at odd angles. The dark grey stone looks black against the storm grey sky, and lightning flashes across the sky as you cross the threshold of the castle. As you enter, you turn off into a small antechamber, where Harold informs you that you shall be dressed into your finer clothes, and after you are dressed, you shall be escorted by a servant to the great hall and presented to your Lord. He in turn scuttles off, presumably to inform Lord Markus, but not before handing you a small pin, carved of some red stone in the shape of a bat.

"I know you probably havent given much thought about heraldry, but I had this made in the Weeping Town for you. A red bat in place of your fathers black one. Customary I'd say"

You roll the pin in your hands before thanking the steward, at which he leaves you to your dressing.

It is an odd feeling, being dressed. But the maid who was summoned has deft hands, and makes short work of the task. You noticed she reddened after removing your rain soaked travelling clothes, taking in your powerful frame. It was something you'd always been proud of. Standing at nearly 6'3, and weighing 210 lbs, you had a strong and athletic build, which had always benefited you in your brawls and scuffles. The girl dresses you in your raiment, a black doublet and red breeches, and she pins a short half cape of midnight blue using the pin Harold had given you. After pulling on a pair of mid-calf leather boots, you looked a proper lord. And you waited. A servant had brought wine and a small plate of cheese which you were nibbling at. But the wine among the sweetest thing you'd ever tasted and you quickly drained the goblet. It seemed forever before another servant entered the chamber and beckoned you forth.

You followed, and walked into a massive hall, with a vaulted roof. Benches lined either side of the approach and they were filled with people. Men and women, children and dogs. It appeared as if every soul that could live in this castle was present. You walked slowly towards the dark figure sitting upon a large chair, raised on a high dias.

File: 20180922_094142.jpg (2.99 MB, 2226x2870)

2.99 MB JPG

You approached slowly, eyes fixed forward, oblivious to the others seated on the dias. This dark man who was your father was taking all of your attention. You kneel before your father, who may be the most terrifying looking man you have ever seen. He reclines in his ebony chair, which is carved in the shape of two sweeping bat wings, and regards you with calculating eyes. Or rather, eye. One of his eyes is so brown it appears black, whilst the other is milk white and blind. A large scar runs above and below the damaged eye, marring what would have otherwise been a regal and lordly face. Too austere to have been handsome though. He had high cheek bones and an aquiline nose, and his long black hair had been pulled back tightly, showing a severe widows peak. He is dressed in all black, which only highlights the pallor of his skin. He bids you stand and in a low gravelly voice says "My son". He in turn stands and addresses the crowd

"This" he begins slowly "is the new heir to Oakmoss. All shall show proper deference to him, or there will be a price to pay"

The crowd is icy quiet, the commotion died as quickly as if it's throat had been slit. Your father than begins to leave, saying that he will dine in his solar, and that after your things have been settled in your chamber that you are to attend him. The servants, and yourself, hurry off to see that he is not kept waiting long. You don't even unpack your things, only seeing that your books are brought safely to your room, before being escorted up into a tower. The servant knocks and you hear a voice say "Enter".

You enter the room to find him standing, back to you a he stares out of the window. The room is musty, with old tapestry's depicting battle hanging on the walls. He turns and walks forward to you, before suddenly embracing you in a hug that lasts for nearly a minute. As you break away, he smiles heartily.

"Welcome home, Manfryd" as he pulls out a chair for you to sit in. In this light he looks much less terrifying, and although his scar still looks awful, the rest of his features look much less severe when he smiles.

"I'm sorry for the show in the hall, but I have a reputation to uphold" he explains. "It wouldn't do to have my soldiers see me gushing over a long lost son would it?"

The two of you dine and converse, talking of your lives. He takes a particular interest in what you are capable of, and roars with happiness when you tell him of the brawl from a few days past. When your eyes fall upon a greatsword hanging on the wall behind him, he goes on to tell you that it is the families valyrian steel sword, which was named Scourge. Talk of weapons leads you to talk of training and he informs you that you'll be drilled and instructed in martial matters by himself and his master of arms, Ser Karson. He also asks if there is any type of fighting you'd prefer to learn...?

>Sword + board, Timeless
>Greatsword, Gotta wield that heirloom baby
>Mace + shield, Easy to learn
>Write in

So just a few things. Apologies for the character sheet, i'm still stuck in the 19th century and am technologically illiterate. Also, just to clarify, you obviously wouldn't be wielding your family's heirloom, just learning how to with a plain Jane great sword.

>>2909043
>Greatsword, Gotta wield that heirloom baby
Nothing helps legitimacy like being the wielder of a valerian steel blade. Just ask the Blackfyres. Wait. Shit.

>>2909043
>Greatsword, Gotta wield that heirloom baby


Quite tall for a 19 year old. Could always use Excel for character sheet.

>>2909043
>Sword + board, Timeless
Man our Warfare is something we really need to improve. Presumably we will need to lead soldiers at some point after all. Is this before/after Robert’s Rebellion?

>>2909096
Haha that's actually why I gave the family the sword. Depending on choices made and paths taken, it could become a very large plot point later on.

>>2909100
I'll be working on getting some better spread sheets and such this week. As everything write now is on lined paper in a binder. And as for height, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. The Larkyns have had a few giants over the years. But Manfryd is done growing, at least height-wise. I'll get a twitter up and post some family history this week as well.

>>2909123
It is currently nearing the end of 280AC.

>>2909043
>Write in

what about spear + shield ?

It s shouldn t be difficult to master, we can even learn to throw them.


or mace + shield. a mace is always useful especially against armours.
Also what about more trainings, is possible ? Too much with all the rest put together ? (there will be a lot of lessons on military strategy, command, noble customs, administration and us try to read all the books in the castle)

Well, I'm going to call it here. Slight win for greatsword but thats not to say we'll only know how to use the great sword. Just a focus on it, which works because that is Markus' wheelhouse.

You stare past your father at Scourge. The steel was so dark it was almost black, with its cross guard in the familiar motif of batwings that seemed common to the Larkyns, whilst the pommel was a bats head, with a large ruby set into its mouth. Markus chuckles and speaks without needing to hear your decision.

"Yes, I'll teach you the art of the greatsword. You wouldn't be a fit heir to such a sword if you didn't know how to wield her. Now, do you remember how to get to your chambers?"

You nod your head, fatigue suddenly setting in from the travel and shock.

"Than sleep. On the morrow we shall begin your training, in both martial and lordly pursuits,, and meet with the various people of my castle."

As you leave, he calls out and says sadly
"Manfryd...You have your mothers eyes.." before ascending the other set of stairs in his tower to what you assume are his own chambers.

You find your way back to your own chambers and enter a sleep full of dreams. Dreams of your childhood, of battle and victory, and mostly the future.

You awaken to the sound of silence. The fire in your hearth was burning low, and the storm of the past two days had moved on. After you dressed, you went to begin your first day as a ...nobleman?

What do we want to do first?

>Explore the castle
>Begin training in the yard
>Meet with your father in the hall
> Write in

>>2909240
>Begin training in the yard

>>2909240
>Explore the castle

>>2909240
>>Begin training in the yard

>>2909240
>>Begin training in the yard

A nobleman was expected to fight in the defense of his people and lands. House Larkyn, as many houses in the stormlands are, were a martial house, with a proud military history. And so you head out of the castle proper, and cross the bridge and descend the stair to the get to the yard. There you find men once again being drilled by what may be the most grizzled and angry man you've ever seen. The master of arms at Oakmoss, Ser Karson Shep. A small man, standing no taller than 5'6, he had the voice of a giant, berating the men to work harder, raise their shields higher, strike harder, and above all to stop acting like maggots and fight like stormlanders. And the men obeyed like children in the face of the small man, despite the fact he was missing both a left hand and his left leg from the knee down. His eyes than find you.

"The fuck you standin' in my yard dressed in clothes boy."

He gestures towards one of the towers of the wall with the hook he had in place of a hand.

"Head to the armory and get armed and armored before I shove my peg leg up your arse"

He yelled, for all the yard to hear and you scampered off, eager to get out of his line of sight and head into the armory where you find the quarter master who outfits you in a coat of mail, greaves, a half helm and wooden great sword. You than head out into the yard once more, and Ser Karson hobbles over.

"You ever fight with a sword before boy?"

"No Ser"

He hawks a loogey and spits it into the mud.

"The fuck am I s'posed to do with a goose shit green boy...GREYSON!!!"

The young knight comes jogging over in his half plate where he is instructed to take up wooden sword and spar with you. He does so with satisfaction in his eyes as he watches you.

It appeared that you would need to learn quickly.

3d6 for fighting please.

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

>>2909797

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

>>2909797

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

>>2909797

>>2909817
>>2909821
>>2909834
What a load of crap

Rolled 1, 4, 5 = 10 (3d6)

>>2909797

Rolled 3, 6, 1 = 10 (3d6)

>>2909797

Ser Greyson gets into his stance, shield raised high and wooden longsword at the ready. You stand awkwardly for a moment before hearing Ser Karson yell "FUCKING DO SOMETHING THAN!!!" and with that you begin. You take a step and bring your wooden great sword in an over hand swing which Ser Greyson easily counters by raising his shield. Before you can recover, his wooden sword lashes out and thwacks into the joint of your greave causing instant pain. Heat flushed through your body as you felt your anger building. You lash out wildly resulting in...

Round 1

Manfryd: Rolled 9

~ 9-11=-2 Attack Failed

Ser Greyson: Rolled 19

~ 19-7=12. Three Degrees of Success
~ 3 damage x 3 = 9 Damage
~ 9 damage - 5 armor = 4 Damage
~ Injury Taken ~
~ 4 Damage - 3 = 1 Damage
~ *Beserker* activated

Roll me a bonus 3D6 please

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

>>2909882

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

>>2909882

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

>>2909882

...resulting in your sword connecting with his shoulder, and whilst there was some force behind it, not being able to put all your weight on your leg took away most of the power. The blow likely wouldn't even bruise.

Round 1 Summary

Ser Greyson Health 12/12
*No Injuries*

Manfryd Storm Health 8/9
*1 Injury*

Round 2

3D6 please

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

>>2909946

Rolled 6, 1, 1 = 8 (3d6)

>>2909946

Rolled 5, 4, 1 = 10 (3d6)

>>2909946

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

>>2909946

We are doing slightly better each time.

You seperated, and you swung to his sword side, trying to avoid his shield, but he is far more experienced in this kind of combat than you are. He counters your swing by angling his body and once again getting his shield in the way, and he spins and sends a blow towards your head. You attempt to duck but the blow connects with your half helm and your ears ring from the force of it.

Round 2

Manfryd: Rolled 13

~ 13 vs 11 = One degree of success
~ 6 damage x 1 = 6 damage
~ 6 damage - 9 armor = -3
~ No damage

Ser Greyson: Rolled 15

~15-7=8 Two Degrees of Success
~ 3 damage x 2 = 6 damage
~ 6 damage - 5 armor = 1 damage

Round 2 Summary

Ser Greyson Health 12/12
*No Injuries*

Manfryd Storm Health 7/9
*1 Injury*

How to proceed forward..

>Continue the fight with honor (3D6 Fighting)
>Use your street fighting savy (5D6 Athletics)

Some things to consider character wise
- Manfryd is a fairly competent brawler
- He is not particularly noble, having gotten most of his fighting experience in bar brawls
- His temper is flaring and is getting frustrated

>>2910051
>Use your street fighting savy (5D6 Athletics)

Bastard powers activate!

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

>>2910051
>Use your street fighting savy (5D6 Athletics)

Win by any means

Rolled 4, 3, 2, 4, 6 = 19 (5d6)

>>2910051
>Use your street fighting savy (5D6 Athletics)
This seems in character

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

>>2910051
If it was best of three i am gonna roll again

You could see the edge of your vision turning red. The armor you were wearing was to heavy and your skin felt like it was being pricked with pins. Everything seemed hot. Ser Greyson was smiling. You could see the confidence written on his noble face. The prick was enjoying this. He disliked you for things completely out of your control, but such was life, and now he was getting the chance to vent some of his frustration and jealousy out on you. In his arrogance he hadn't even bothered to wear a helm for your spar. You bring your sword crashing into his shield to open his defense. As soon as your inside his guard you drop your sword. Ser Greyson begins to laugh at your apparent misfortune but that was all the opportunity you needed. It was a move you yourself had learned the hard way from a brawl with some Tyroshi sailors. You fish hook him. You drive your hand towards his face and push your thumb into his mouth, curling your thumb into his cheek and drag him down to the muddy ground. He cries out in shock and curses as you straddle him and raise your fist to pummel him.

Round 3

Manfryd: Rolled 17 Athletics (4D6+1D6 Strength)

~ 17 vs 16 (Passive Athletics) = 1 degree of success

~ Result: Ser Greyson Pinned

Ser Greyson: Rolled 7 to escape

~ 7 vs 12 (Manfryd Passive Fighting)
~ Result: Ser Greyson still pinned


*For the record, unless otherwise specified, I'll follow the best of three rolls*

But before you could break his perfectly straight nose in numerous directions, you feel a cold piece of metal around your neck that jerks you backwards, and you yourself fall into the mud.

"ENOUGH!!!" you hear Ser Karson bellow.

"WHAT IN THE SEVENTH FUCKING HELL YOU THINK YOUR DOIN' BOY!! THINK YOUR IN SOME TAVERN BRAWL??"

He kicks at you with his steel shod peg leg viscously.

"GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY SIGHT BASTARD OR ILL SHOW YOU SOME DIRTY TRICKS OF MY OWN"

You get up Ser Karson plants a kick on your backside, knocking you face first into the mud again.

"AND YOU..." you hear Ser Karson lay into Ser Greyson.

You head into the armory tower and shrug out of your mail and greaves. You find Marv and a few soldiers laughing at the show you'd given them, commenting how they'd yet to seen the young knight bested like that before.

You proceed back towards the castle after changing into your clean clothes and decide to...

>Explore the castle
>Meet with your father in the hall

(So, that was an interesting experience. I've never done combat online before so if that felt clunky at all I apologize. I'll try and stream line that and improve the writing for it in the future)

>>2910267
>Explore the castle

>>2910267
>>Meet with your father in the hall

>>2910267
>Explore the castle

>>2910267
>Explore the castle

>>2910267
>Explore the castle
If we super level up our H2H we might be able to use it as our secondary weapon

You decide to explore the castle. Although you had a slight limp from the blow Ser Greyson had dealt your knee, you weren't overly keen on meeting with your father after the debacle in the yard if Ser Karsons reaction was anything to go on. And so you limped through the halls of Oakmoss. You came across various chambers, filled with portraits of previous lords and ladies, and find where the kitchens are located easily enough. Upon further exploring of the second level you find what you could only assume was once a tower where a maester resided, it's floor covered in old raven droppings, and various scraps of dried herbs scattered about. Curiously though, you didnt find a single tome or scroll inside the tower. After exploring there you head down the hall to find a set of stairs. You follow them down and exit out into a small godswood. You walk along the over grown paths for a short while, before coming into a central clearing where you find an ancient weirwood tree.

You'd read that the Larkyns has taken the castle from an ancient first men house, the Rooks. They had kept the old faith even in spite of the Andal invasion thousands of year ago, and had kept there weirwood.

The face carved into the white bark of the tree was one of pure hatred and wrath. It looked as if it were screaming its rage towards any who looked at it. An uncomfortable feeling crept over you, and although you knew that you were only in a tiny godswood, you felt as if you were within the heart of the deepwood, far away from civilization. A rustle of the leaves and rumble of distant thunder breaks the trance, and you shake your head and realize that there are statues surrounding the ancient tree. All are made of the same grey stone as the castle, although they depict men in various states. Many were warriors, some were not, whilst one seemed to be only cloaked and malicious, peculiarly lacking a face. Staring into the eyes of what looked like the oldest statue, you had the feeling you didn't belong there.

You hurry away from the godswood, with a shiver down your spine. You'd grown up with the seven, and they were what you knew. The primal old gods were foreign to you, and it was if they had banished you from their place. You than decided that you'd attempt to find the chapel of the seven that you were sure the castle had. Yet after over an hour of searching you had found nothing resembling a sept. Nearing the end of your half hearted exploring you come across an old hall of the castle that looks rather untraveled. Heading down the hall, leaving feint footprints in the dust, you open the single door and find the library.

And what a library it was. Truly fit for a lord. There were hundreds of books and scrolls lining the shelves, and as you climbed the stairs of the tower find two additional floor with shelves full of tomes on various subjects. Everything from geography to history, blood magic to books detailing poultices and healing herbs. And yet it looked as if nobody had been here for a decade. A thick layer of dust lay upon everything, and ascending to the last floor of the tower, you found a room with a musty old bed frame, a table and dried up ink pots and scriveners tools. Clearly there had once been someone dedicated to the making and upkeep of the books in the tower, but that had been many years ago.

You descend down the stairs and start browsing through the books when a frightened looking servant enters the tower and in a meek voice says "Y-your father has summoned you my...Lord?" The boy says it like a questions, as if he isn't certain of what title a bastard should be addressed by.

"Lord? That will definetly take some getting used to, but I don't believe I'm technically a lord. Manfryd will suffice if you need to address me"

"O-o-of course Manfryd, now if you'll please follow me. This tower is cursed, there is a reason nobody enters it."

And so you follow the boy, whos name you learn is Merduh, he leads you into the great hall, where you find half of the castle dining on their lunch. He leads you to the high table where your father and his lady wife sit, along with various others of rank amongst the castles population.

There is an older man, nearing the end of middle age, wearing an orange surcoat with the three black castles of House Peake sewn onto the breast. Besides the surcoat, he looks exactly as if Ser Greyson had aged another 25 years or so. He introduces himself as Ser Gregory Peake, Castellan of Oakmoss, and in turn, politely introduces his wife, the Lady Lily Peake.

Harold also dines at the high table, whom beside him sits a man in the prime of his life.

He is introduced as Ser Vance Halsing, the captain of one of the regiments of your fathers infantry, "The Blackspears"

His doublet is red, with a single black wolf , and his forest green eyes have a hungry wolfish look to them. He smiles easily, and gives you a friendly hello.

Lastly, you are introduced to the lady of Oakmoss, your fathers wife, Lady Helena Larkyn, originally of House Herston.

You kneel before her, and she allows you to kiss her hand over the table.

"Lovely to meet you. Manfryd...Storm. She pauses before saying that last word, which she icily utters. Winter in the stormlands was frigid, with more rain and worse weather than the other seasons, but snow rarely came as warm weather from the sea of dorne often swept in. Lady Helenas greeting to you could have been from the north of the wall it was so cold.

File: larkyn.png (53 KB, 617x725)

53 KB PNG

This is a good read so far my dude. Crazy that we haven't had a bastard son MC yet.

Don't mind my asking what do you consider canon to this quest? The fact that its 280AC makes this a real interesting time period, lot of potential for the MC to get a nice foothold here in the coming years.

The talk of the table, and apparently the hall, was of the spar you'd had with Ser Greyson earlier. Your father was quiet, seemingly content to listen to the opinions of those who served him. Surprisingly Ser Gregory bore you no particular ill will stating that "the boy should have expected such a trick, meaning no offence of course Manfryd. It's only that who knows where the honor of bastard blood is concerned. It's good for him to finally experience what can happen should he be fighting someone less honorable than he was."

Ser Vance on the other hand had asked where you had learned the trick, and after telling him said he would have to learn some more tricks out of you, saying that life was more noble than death, and in battle there it was always worth having a trick for any situation.

A man in bright colored clothing and wielding a lute strolls by the table, who introduces himself as Loken, and says that he will have to write a song about a castle that was brought down to the ground by a storm.

"Yes, something along the lines of And so the keep was brought down low, by the raging storm about, and through the portcullis gates, the keeps tongue flailed on about"
The men chuckled or laughed, although Ser Gregory scowled, and the ladies at the table kept rather quiet, but everyone soon joined them when your father began to speak.

"Manfryd, there will be a meeting of council tonight. You shall attend. I've been told you have been exploring the castle, particularly the old library tower. Do you have any idea why nobody goes there?

"Well, I know there is supposed to be a curse on it"

"Yes but what kind of curse? And who laid such a thing upon the tower?" But perhaps more importantly...why do you have an interest in that place. I'd have thought you'd have spent more time in the yard training, especially after you displayed your lack of swordsmanship this morning.

Okay more crunch time.

I'll take 6D6 (4D6 Knowledge+2D6 Education)

That test is regarding your knowledge about Oakmoss, in particular her library. Did "A History and details of the Noble Houses of the Stormlands" mention anything about it? Roll to find out.

Also, how do we respond to your father regarding your exploration of the tower rather than staying in the training yard?

> Honesty, You were a scribe after all
> Respect, Ser Karson had told you to leave
> Contrition, Apologize

>>2910807
Canon in regards to what exactly? I'll be trying to follow the events that lead up to roberts rebellion fairly closely, but thats not to say certain things wont be fudged or changed completely. I will be trying to avoid it as much as possible so it's easier to keep track of. The largest thing I can think of that I for sure have changed and or have the possibility to mess with is House Staedmon. I've got a history and motives made up for them, and depending where this quest goes, a lot could change in the rainwood.

Also, thank you very much. I appreciate any feedback I can get, as trying to DM(QM?) is definitely a whole different experience online.

File: BryndenMalroy.jpg (824 KB, 2480x3508)

824 KB JPG

>>2910812
>> Honesty, You were a scribe after all
>>2910864
Oh I mean in regards to the general /qst/ and /tg/ Houses. Like Malroy and Karban, etc. Do you consider any of those Houses canon?

Rolled 3, 4, 3, 6, 6, 5 = 27 (6d6)

>>2910812
> Respect, Ser Karson had told you to leave

>>2910812
> Honesty, You were a scribe after all

Rolled 2, 4, 2, 4, 6, 5 = 23 (6d6)

>>2910812
> Honesty, You were a scribe after all
> Respect, Ser Karson had told you to leave

Rolled 1, 3, 2, 1, 5, 6 = 18 (6d6)

>>2910812
> Respect, Ser Karson had told you to leave

Rolled 6, 4, 6, 6, 3, 1 = 26 (6d6)

>>2910812
>Honesty, You were a scribe after all

File: 20180922_211247.jpg (3.89 MB, 2432x3137)

3.89 MB JPG

Alright looks like were going with an honest answer. And your damn fucking rights Manfryd read about his families history.

Also, I've got a family history thats nearly completed, that will go into some minor detail about where house Larkyn came from and such. I'll try to finish that up tonight or tomorrow and get that posted on the twitter that is currently absolutely empty.

>>2910914
Oh in that case I'd say that unless they directly conflict with the story, that I'm going to try and include the houses that came before Larkyn. There will definitely be some cameos and Easter eggs later on.

Okay, well I'm gunna rip to the store, grab a bite to eat and get to writing. Be back in a few.

PS. Enjoy another ghetto photo of House Larkyns resources

>>2911026
You really ought to get that on a spread sheet.

DC:12 Roll:21

Two degrees of Success

You recall a page in "A History and details of the Noble Houses of the Stormlands" that spoke of the library. "

"The Library had been built by the third Larkyn of Oakmoss, Magnus. He was a giant of a man, and both a scholar and warrior, though he He had the tower built in order to house as much knowledge as he could gather, though in his later years much of his interest ran to the occult. It's said he'd gone as far east as Asshai and there he learned blood magic from the sorcerers there. Before he died, although after he earned the moniker "Magnus the Dread" he supposedly laid a curse on his tower which promised the death of any who tried to acquire his knowledge without his blessing. The darkest rumors say that he used to blood of his own mother to lay the curse."

Your father nods his head solemnly, and the rest of the tables eyes widen, clearly surprised by your knowledge of the house.

"And in regards to my interest father, I am a scribe, or rather, I was one. Books fascinate me. Had I been a smith i would have inspected your armory further. Needless to say, there are books in that library that I've never even heard of, let alone read. With your permission, I'd like to at the very least catalo-"

"I will hear of your concerns and ambitions regarding the library tonight. The great hall is no place for such things to be said." your father interrupts.

And with that you finish your lunch in silence. Though it is not lost on you the difference in how austere and cold your father presented himself when in front of his subjects versus the warmth he showed you the night before in his solar.

Anything else you guys want to do?

Or just skip ahead to your council meeting?

>>2911223
Fuck our step-mother

But in serious. Just do some small talk with the other important people. Get a feel on how they are and they think.

>>2911223
I'd like to familiarize ourselves with the family timber and lumber industry prior to the meeting. No doubt our father is a capable man but new eyes never hurt. Manfryd is an intelligent man, give the books a look over, figure out who our major trade partners are and go from give. If no books exist or trade us nonexistent formulate a plan to request permission to take on the task ourselves or to oversee the operation. Start small and build with our strengths for now. Similar to Tyrion Lannister making the Lannisport sewers the most efficient in Westeros before moving on to better things.

>>2911316
This is good.

>>2911223
Is it weird that's the first thing I thought about after reading the update?

>>2911316
mhm this

Alright looks like were going to meet up with our buddy Harold. Writing now.

After finishing you lunch, and thoughts of a meeting with the council who ran the castle and lands of house Larkyn, you decide to go find Harold Whitehead in order to at least have a rough understanding of the houses incomes and trade goods. After searching for a short while, you find his chambers, a small snug room complete with a desk and shelf, with what could only be ledgers stacked in a very orderly manner. You knock upon the open door and he jolts up.

"Manfryd! By the seven you gave me a fright. Your father hasn't moved the meeting to this afternoon has he?"

"Not so far as I know, but the meeting is actually the reason I've been looking for you"

Harold removes the monocle from his eye and puts away in a soft leather bag before waving you over.

"Well come on in then. what is it that brings you here exactly"

"Well, if I'm to attend a meeting about governance, I figure I should at least have a rough grasp of what makes this house run no?"

Harold smiles through his beard and scratches the bold top of his head.

"If only there were more people who thought as such. Your father has the mind of a soldier, and I've yet to meet the man who would make a better quartermaster in my life, but present him with matters of trade,commerce or the day to day runnings of the house and he grows sullen and bored."

Harold and yourself than pour over the ledgers and scrolls detailing incomes, expenses and trade. So far as you could gather, the primary income of House Larkyn lay with its lumber. A mill had been built many years ago to process the raw timber into lumber, where it was than sent further down the stream to the houses Swann and Herston, or by cart on the rainroad to the Weeping Town. However, your ability to trade was fairly limited, as you had no port to allow the easy transport of your lumber to anywhere from Dorne to Bravos. All you could currently manage was trade with your direct neighbours. Swann provided you with iron, and Herston with foodstuffs. Looking at ledgers you had something in the neighborhood of 1400 gold dragons in the vaults. A considerable amount of wealth, but it was being wasted sitting away. To make gold, you had to spend gold was what your foster Kris had always said.

Summary:
Swann Iron - Larkyn Lumber
Herston Food - Larkyn Lumber
Whitehead Gold - Larkyn Lumber

There is currently a lack of demand for your lumber as you have no real means for getting it to market besides your immediate neighbors. This can be remedied by building a port. However, in order to build a port you'll need to either get a small town, or settle for building a small port ( costs half, but you only receive half benefits(so only +1 to house fortunes) and you wont be able to build any add ons until a full on port has been built.

Also, I use population for things like your villages, small towns and cities and so on. The increment is 15 population to upgrade to the next, so you currently need 12 population to upgrade you hamlet to a small town.

So things to possibly bring up to your father during the council meeting would include

> The construction of a small port
> The refurbishing of the library tower (Essentially building a scriptorum as per Out of Strife, Prosperity)
> The lack of a sept
> The underpopulation, try to see if you can bring more peasants and workers to your lands

And with that, I'm going to hit the hay here. I'll write up the beginning of our council meeting in the morning. Also, for anyone who doesnt have it handing, the link for the Out of Strife Wealth Holdings will be included below. Thanks for playing!!

https://img.4plebs.org/boards/tg/image/1423/13/1423135781079.pdf

>>2911638
> The lack of a sept
> The underpopulation, try to see if you can bring more peasants and workers to your lands

Also, one more thing I forgot. I rolled for the House Fortunes this month, so congratulations on the blessing. I put it towards wealth, because you can exchange that for anything given enough time. Going forward, if you guys want to do the rolling for it, I'd be more than okay with that, and if you guys want to try and decide what resource we put it towards, I'll say its going to be a Formidable (DC:12) Persuasion test in order to convince Lord Markus to agree with you.

But anyhow going into the meeting, there will be 7 wealth available.

>>2911647
Get a twitter. So we can more easily know when you run.

>>2911646
+1

If we manage to succeed, we could get the interest of the priests (some founds from them if we make something more than a small chapel) and in any case have people for building that small town with port and give it a population.

After that we could build a scriptorum in the library-tower.


Or should we fly lower ?

When the hour arrives, yourself and Harold head to your fathers tower. The solar which you had been in the previous night was on the third floor, but now Harold took you to the second level, where there was a large ebony table along with seven chairs. Harold indicates which chair you should sit it, explaining the heir always sits as the Lords right hand. There was a strict hierarchy and etiquette surrounding the council he'd also explained. As the rest of the council trickled in, they all took their respective seats.

You yourself were seated across from an empty seat, while on your right sat Ser Gregory. Across from him sat your icy Step-mother, clad in a dress of brilliant red.
Beside Ser Gregory there was a young man, who wore leathers and looked incredibly out of place. There was no socializing from him, and Harold introduces him as Jack, or as his men called him "Owljack". He was the captain of your fathers guerrillas and patrolled the rainwood tirelessly. He also held the title of "Warden of the Forests" and so sat on the council. Finally, in the last spot sat Harold himself. As you all waited and quiet discussion took place, your father descended down the second set of stairs in the room. He take his seat and the meeting begins.

Okay so time for some crunch and decisions.

Not a whole lot of comments but the sept/septon has been floated around.

A septon(Priest Personage Holding) costs 5 wealth and gives +1 to House Fortnues and if you should roll a negative house fortune, you lose one less influence than normal.

A sept(Temple Settlement Holding) costs 10 wealth, but it also requires a small town so that isnt really in the cards right now.

Also just because it's in character

A scriptorum is an upgrade for the library, which is allows the making of books. It costs 5 wealth, and results in +1 Wealth and +1 Influence. It normally costs 1D6 months to build but due to Manfryd's experience, I would cut that time in half.

Also, you can exchange resources if your unhappy with them. The obvious one i think right now would be power(of which you have 4) to population at a rate of 1:1, but you can also do wealth(of which you have 7) for anything at a rate of 2:1.

I'll let you guys discuss what we want to but I'll give you guys a few hints regarding your father and the council.

~ Your father was fostered by the Blackwoods
~ He is a very martial man
~ He takes his reputation very seriously, so influence is a good way to butter him up

~ Harold will obviously approve of anything commerce related

~ Lady Helena will likely ignore anything you suggest

~ The rest of the council you don't know enough to make an informed opinion.

File: 7.Power.png (373 KB, 762x949)

373 KB PNG

>>2911026
Quick thing QM. In here you have "Trained Garrison" listed as a cost 6, which according to this chart it should only be 5. So we should have 5 Power leftover.

>>2912719
A say we could push for the hiring of a Septon and Scriptorum by playing to our fathers reputation. The Septon will help cement his reputation among the smallfolk and show other nobles in the area that he holds the Seven to be on this side.

As for a Scriptorum, first it allows us to show that our family is not scared of some old fairy tale curse and secondly books are very valuable as trade goods and gifts.

Attracting more people to settle here is good but I don't have any ideas on that.

File: 1509881776705.jpg (58 KB, 732x950)

58 KB JPG

>>2912719
So my suggestion would be we take on the building of the Small Port and expanding commerce first and foremost before we start pushing our own agenda. Similarly I think it is worthwhile to start looking into ways to build our own power base and alliances within the House, Lady Helena is going to make doing things difficult and our father has to play the part of an impartial mediator and is very clearly about people pulling themselves up from their own bootstraps.

My suggest would be to suggest the building of the Small Port for 5 Wealth, we lack means to supply and demand for our major export, lumber and timber. That is something important that we should remedy immediately so we can open up dialogue with larger House regarding trade and from there we can talk alliances, marriages, wards/squires, etc.. Our greatest strength is our knowledge, the Knowledge Focus (Nature) benefit also puts us in prime position to oversee the lumber and timber operation ourselves, seeing as we'll know the best trees to harvest, where to cut from so we don't overharvest or upset the balance of the forests. While also leaning into sales and the understanding of the prime wood we own compared to others. Our Trade (Scribe) benefit should allow us to keep the books the best in the Small Port and Timber/Lumber so we should definitely make a play to take that over ourselves, or at least start to work with Harold in regards to it.

And while we're at it we need to recognize two things. One our Law (26) is relatively low, so there is a chance bandits or a rival Lord will make a play as soon as we begin to build the Small Port and with the increase in trade and commerce in the area it is a prime target for a raid. Secondarily our father is a martial man, and will likely want to protect our interests without the expense of his men already at his disposal. So I suggest we raise a second unit of Trained Garrison for 5 that defends the Port and Hamlet exclusively. For Captain we should suggest Ser Greyson, give the young Knight command and play it as we gained some respect for him in the yard and a young knight could grow and mature with command. This serves two purposes, we get the man on our side, and begins to build some rapport with the military in the House that we can expand upon later as we grow into the position of Heir and our own martial abilities. And second to build up our relationship with Ser Greyson who is very likely to be a longtime player in the House and if tempered and brought on our side he could be a valuable asset in the long run. Also we can get our buddy Pieter a position within the town guard as well, always good to have friends around.

TL:DR
Small Port for 5 Wealth, bank the 2. Suggest we use our skills actively in the trade.
Trained Garrison for 5 Power. Suggest Ser Greyson as Captain.

>>2912827
Yeah I could get behind that.

>>2912827
Sound good

So :
>Building a small port/town & expand the timber.
>Raise a new militia for the port/town and give command to Ser Greyson (plus a smaller garisson in the timber).

Next
>Check the road from the timber to location of the new port/town.
>check for a good but cheap architect/engineer


Still having a sept should be the next move (influence and better religious relations).
Then the scriptorium.

>>2912963
>Still having a sept should be the next move (influence and better religious relations).

I agree though I think we should go smaller rather than all in on Population growth since it'll be the hard sell for old dad. I think the hint of our father being fostered with House Blackwood and them being known Old God/northern faith worshipers and the Godswood here being actually kept its likely he isn't as big of believer in the Seven as one would expect a southron Lord to be. So it'll be a harder sell to get the full Sept. Instead I think we should go for a Chapel from OOSP for 1 Defense and 4 Wealth, something small so we and the household can practice and keep the House in equal measures. Plus its cheaper and no population growth is necessary.

>>2912992
Accepted, but the population growth is useful and when we start building the small port/town more people than usual will arrive anyway.

but now that i think about, if our dynasty hasn t built one sept here it could be that even our population is not of the seven ?
>small old gods enclave ?

if that so it s even good to have septon ? Our father could become really angry with a zealot at home.


anyway what we do with Jack "Owljack" ?
he could be useful.

>Jack, or as his men called him "Owljack". He was the captain of your fathers guerrillas and patrolled the rainwood tirelessly. He also held the title of "Warden of the Forests" and so sat on the council.

We shouldnt worry about the weirwood. Its an old religion that is pratically dead except for in the north. We should maybe consider getting rid of it.

>>2913167
Cutting down a tree god seems like a bad idea.

>>2913173
They are not real. Its like believing in White Walkers. Only fools and children do that.

Alright well I'll clear up a couple things before suggesting a vote.

1. Your father is a private man, and the only thing I'll reveal without spoiling the character and making you guys work for it is he didn't believe in any gods growing up, but during his fostering he had an..."experience" when his foster father took him to the Isle of Faces after his 16th nameday.

2. The stormlands primarily worship the faith of the seven. Manfryd himself is a believer in them, although he isn't particularly devout.

3. My bad on the garrison cost. It does cost 5, leaving you with 5 free power.

4. >>2912827
When I originally made up the character and house, I didn't even conceive of using the Knowledge Focus (Nature) benefit to be put towards the family lumber industry. I'd originally meant for it to be a way to compensate for his lack of hunting experience, which is a very common past time amongst the lords of the stormlands. So bravo to you anon, great idea.


Vote Time; Ideas/Plans for the Council Meeting

> Build Small Port? (5 wealth, 1D6+3 Months)
> Hire Septon (5 wealth, 1D6 Months)
> Build Scriptorum (5 wealth, 1D3 Months)
>Propose Chapel( 4 wealth, 1 defence, 1D6+6 Months)

> Suggest Trained Garrison...if so
> Who shall command them?
>Ser Greyson Peake (Try to bury the hatchet)
>Someone else

What shall your purpose be?
> Oversea the timber industry
> Begin cataloging the library
> Something else?

I'll be back in a couple of hours again. My father wrangled me into helping out on his farm so I'm heading back out there get some chores done.

File: 1536720357776.jpg (135 KB, 1000x1343)

135 KB JPG

>>2913367
>> Build Small Port? (5 wealth, 1D6+3 Months)
>Ser Greyson Peake (Try to bury the hatchet)
> Oversea the timber industry

>>2913367
> Build Small Port? (5 wealth, 1D6+3 Months)
>Ser Greyson Peake (Try to bury the hatchet)
> Begin cataloging the library

>>2913389
+

>>2913367
>> Build Small Port? (5 wealth, 1D6+3 Months)
>>Ser Greyson Peake (Try to bury the hatchet)
>> Oversea the timber industry

>>2913367
>>> Build Small Port? (5 wealth, 1D6+3 Months)
>>Ser Greyson Peake (Try to bury the hatchet)
>> Oversea the timber industry

>>2914389
Ditto, I wouldn't mind turning the library into a hobby

Thats settled than. We're aiming for a small port, and to raise a new garrison to protect it, led by Ser Greyson. Finally, were going to try and oversee our logging industry. Now we just need to convince papa.

Alright so this will hopefully be the last series of rolls for awhile, after which it will most likely be back to big walls of story.

I'll need 3 separate rolls of 3D6. If you could roll three separate 3D6's in one post I would appreciate it. Each one of those will count in turn for the Port, Garrison and new job. Something along the lines of...

>1. 3D6 vs DC:12

>2. 3D6 Vs DC:6

>3. 3D6 Vs DC:9

Rolled 1, 6, 3, 1, 3, 2, 6, 1, 4 = 27 (9d6)

>>2914426

>>2914445
>10, fail
>6, pass
>11, pass

So two more 9d6's?

Rolled 1, 6, 3, 4, 4, 1, 2, 5, 2 = 28 (9d6)

>>2914426

>>2914447
Correct. Should have just asked for 3 9D6 in the first place. Forgive the bureaucracy

Rolled 1, 2, 6, 1, 6, 1, 4, 4, 6 = 31 (9d6)

>>2914426

Rolled 1, 3, 6 = 10 (3d6)

>>2914426

Rolled 6, 2, 3, 2, 3, 6, 3, 2, 1 = 28 (9d6)

>>2914460

Not a bad first round for the council. I have to say that I didn't intend for you to get any kind of traction this early. I'm notorious amongst my group as being a tough DM (so fair warning, although you have 1 Destiny Point, I would use it sparingly), but there were some suggestions that totally caught me off guard. For instance, if you hadn't consulted with Harold before hand, Lady Helena would have had an absolute field day with you and shut down everything you suggested. So well done guys, 2/3 aint bad.

Lots of text incoming...

>>2914479
So we failed to convince him to build a small port, but we were able to raise a force to protect it?

"Shall we begin?" you father asks. A question, but coming from his coarse voice it sounds like a statement.

The floor would appear to be open, but you hold your tongue for now.

Ser Gregory Peake is the first to speak, bringing up that there was a rider this past week from Crows Nest. They would be holding a tourney to celebrate the coming new year in two month time. Seeing as they are family (your grandmother was a Morrigen), it will be expected we attend.

Your father nods his head, with little emotion showing on his face. "We shall" he says after a pause. Blunt and to the point

He than directs his attention to the man in leathers.

"Jack, what news does the rainwood bring?"

When Jack speaks, he does so with a look on his face that suggests he is unfamiliar with hearing his own voice. The small man was clearly lowborn, but even the way he moved sat showed that stealth was second nature to him.

You remembered your friend Gage had always been quiet, able to sneak up on a deer within 30 yards and shoot an arrow through its ribs. You had a feeling this "Owljack" would be able to sneak up on a rabbit and snap its neck. When he speaks, its in a soft, almost sing song fashion.

"The sneakjacks 'n' I have come across mor'n'ta usual number 'o' bandits M'lord. We ain't found their hidey hole yet, but we will".

Your father asks if he'd taken care of the bandits he'd found.

Owljacks reply is to simply drag a finger across his neck and Lord Markus nods his approval.

You make eye contact with Harold and he makes a slight gesture, as if to encourage you.

You clear your throat before beginning, a black pit sitting in your stomach as all eyes look at you, but most importantly, your fathers. Even his blind white eye regards you with interest.

"I have been reviewing our ledgers and balances with Harold" you begin "and if I am free to speak my mind, I feel as if we must do more to expand the timber industry that supports us. We break even now, but we are limited by infrastructure that currently only allows us to trade with our immediate neighbors. I would suggest using most of what wealth lies in the castle vaults to fund the building of, if not a full scale port, at least a series of docks that would allow some ships to make berth there. I know there is a small hamlet near the coast, I think they could be convinced to move their homes and lives to the coast, especially with promise of the wealth that would evidently flow through what will hopefully be. by then, a burgeoning port. Next, after hearing what Jack has said regarding an increase in banditry, I would suggest raising a new garrison to protect the hamlet, mill and port. I would also suggest that Ser Greyson lead the new men.

That catches the attention of everyone but Owljack.

Your father asks why you would call for the advancement of someone who so clearly detests you, and you respond with...

That an open prompt??

"Ser Greyson fought with honor this morning, even if I did not. One thing I have learned from my time in the Weeping Town is that corruption runs rampant once wealth begins to flow. In order to prevent that, having a man of honor in charge of the watch there will help to curb any excess or greed that the men under him have."

You can see Ser Gregory swell with pride at your words. It was his son after all, and after the Peake uprising of 233 AC, to hear of a Peake being describe by a stranger as a man of honor surely did much to please the man.

"Lastly Father, I would seek your permission to oversee the surveying and felling of the forests. I would like to see if there is any rare growth, and to ensure that the trees are harvested in a manner that allows time for the clearings to regrow in a sustainable way."

Jaws nearly touch the ebony table. It was clear that entropy had its grips on this house.

Your fathers face showed a softening of his austere features, and the very corners of his mouth even dared to turn upwards. That was until Lady Helena began to speak.

"While I'm sure you are used to living as a pauper, spending what coin comes to you as it does, we of the nobility have far greater plans for such wealth. Have you even seen a gold dragon bastard?

She looks to your father and says..

"Your son will bankrupt is if you allow this folly to go on. What does he know about managing sums and..."

"Quite alot actually" you interrupt.

The look she gave you was one of utter shock, as if she couldn't comprehend that a breach of etiquette was even possible.

"Markus I want him off of this council. Immediately. He has absolutely no place sitting in the heirs chair."

Your father stares her down with a stare that could have stopped a charging boar.

"Had you been able to provide me with a trueborn son, perhaps he would not be. And you do not presume to instruct me me, the Lord of Oakmoss, on how to structure my own council do you?" The second chair has sat empty since I took up the mantle of lord, and the third ever since Maester Torrhen passed away three years ago. I will not see them sit empty to protect your wounded pride."

Lord Markus than turns to you once more

"Manfryd, I am impressed by your suggestions. My lady wife does bring up a valuable point however. Spending such wealth so freely does smack of hubris. I will grant you the raising of a garrison in order to protect the hamlet, and I will allow Ser Greyson to be it's captain. Also, if you can prove to me that you are capable of improving our industry, and manage to convince the hamlet to move to the coast, I will consent to the idea of your docks. Now, unless anyone else has anything to add, I grow tired of such matters, and shall retire for the evening."

When nobody does, you all rise and begin to file out of the room. Lady Helena heads straight for her personal chambers, fuming, whilst the rest of the council each in turn come up and give you their regards.

Even Owljack made eye contact with you and gave you a quick nod of the head.

You than head to your own personal chambers and begin to think upon all that has happened. Fatigue has settled into your very bones. Your body aches from sparring with Ser Greyson, and is there a small amount of apprehension from clearly upsetting Lady Helena so? You shut your eyes and sleep quickly comes.


Alrighty, well I think thats all the questing that I'll be doing for the night. I thought that was a pretty good first session, but for the next while I'll be sticking around to answer any questions or clear up any issues you guys might have regarding Manfryd, House Larkyn or the quest in general. I had a blast writing this, and I hope you guys enjoyed.

By the way, ignoring how empty it is, I've got a twitter below

>https://twitter.com/BloodStormGm

>We hate-fuck our stepmom
>she gets preggers
>she wasn't infertile after all, dad was shooting blanks
>That means he isn't our dad
>who is real dad?
>?????
>Profit

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.

>>2914634
But that would make mom a cheating whore.

Pretty good with those results. Give us something to work on next too with getting the village moved and the timber industry producing even better will be fun albeit challenging. The power move to get Ser Greyson on our side was smart

>>2914651
Yep, it's pretty hard to hate a man who gets you promoted after you beat the shit out of him. But with how bastards are treated he'll most likely manage.

>>2914630
Dad is not exactly making it easier for us with his wife. She is going to be bitter, petty and vindictive.

The only real choice we have is to fuck her

>>2913367
>When I originally made up the character and house, I didn't even conceive of using the Knowledge Focus (Nature) benefit to be put towards the family lumber industry.
Glad you liked that. Thought it was clever myself. In all reality I didn't expect all of those ideas to work but those rolls went better than expected. Failing the port roll is a bit of a setback but manageable with how clear of an advantage we have on making the lumber industry better from tree to money.

Called the banditry issues as well. Would not hurt at all to get on Owljacks good side and help root them out. Use the nature knowledge in a manhunt sense, get a nice little victory under our belt. Impress the military men more. Lots of planning to do, but having to get creative about it is the fun part.

After the new garrison is formed I'd suggest we begin training with them and Ser Greyson. It does not hurt to bow our heads and learn from and befriend the man. Plus the men will like us more for not being above drilling with them. Really hope we are able to get Pieter up here too.

I'll say it's fun playing a character like this. Very different than any of the past MCs hope this quest has some legs.

Couple questions about the Houses history. Who did the Larkyns support during the Blackfyre Rebellions? Curious to see Peakes here. How is our relationship with House Baratheon? What was our father like as a young man, like to joust? Hunt? He seems like the studious general type to me. Did he have any siblings? Is the family really this small?

>>2914651
>>2914654
Ser Greyson is definitely not on your side yet. However, after asking for his promotion, his disposition towards you moved up a level from Unfriendly, to Dislike. He's of an age with Manfryd, (20 to Manfryds 19) and what he sees in Manfryd is exactly the position he wishes he could be in. Although all he sees is the fact he is heir to the castle ( sort of, if for some reason Markus gets killed, there will be a major power struggle in the succession for Oakmoss) Greyson doesn't pity that fact that Manfryd is a bastard, and just about everything were going to try and do for a long while is going to be met with second guessing and derision. He simply resents the fact that such a position is being given to a bastard at all. And I don't want to make anything to easy for you guys, but I will give you this...

Ser Greyson Peake

Goal: Fame
Motivation: Shame
Virtue: Honourable
Vice: Proud

>>2914689
Lady Helena is absolutely all of those things, and Manfryds presence in Oakmoss only highlights her shame. She is going to be a real pain in the ass to work around, and nearly impossible to get to actually like us.

>>2914713
Yeah that took me for a left turn alright. I'm thoroughly impressed by the ideas thrown out there from everyone, because that council meeting could have gone DRASTICALLY worse.

As for Owljack, hes a wierd one. He was a wild child, always running away into the woods as soon as he was able to to walk. He got the nickname Owljack when he was 13, having joined Lord Markus' geurillas and sneaking up on a bandit sentry and slitting the mans throat with making a sound. His captain at the time said he'd never seen a man move so quietly, only an owl, and than the name stuck. Getting him on our side won't be hard regarding our bastard status, but it will be difficult in gaining his respect as a woodsman.

Gaining the respect of the military will be huge, as that is your fathers personal weak spot. If you can frame anything that will appear to his military mind, the difficulty of convincing him to do it will go down significantly.

Finally, regarding the history(which I'll hopefully finish up tonight and post on the twitter tonight or tomorrow) is essentially this, the founder of House Larkyn was a childhood friend of Orys Baratheon, having grown up on Driftmark together. Malcolm Larkyn grew to be captain of the Driftmark household guard, and fought alongside Rhaenys and Orys in the Last Storm. It was there that, in a similar fashion to Orys, slew Lord Horace Rook and his two sons, taking their castle and valyrian steel sword. This led to many years of being very stout supporters of House Baratheon, and thereby House Targaryen. They stayed loyal through all of the blackfyre rebellions, and your father fought courageously in the last one, earning a knighthood.

The Peakes presence can be explained by the fact that Manfryds great grandfather Guyard Larkyn was in charge of the seige of Whitegrove, one of the three castles the Peakes once owned. The Castellan of the castle, a distant cousin of the main branch, agreed to a forfeit the castle, so long as his newborn baby son would have a place at Oakmoss. That baby grew into the man we know as Ser Gregory Peake.

Finally, your fathers earliest memories are of his own father, a draconian and extremely martial man. Ser Montifer Larkyn was VERY bitter after losing his wife in childbirth to their second son, and only took solace in fighting and war. Your father was actually sent away to the Blackwoods so Montifer wouldn't have to raise the child, having no time or skill at the raising of children. In the riverlands however though, Markus took joy in hunting, but he was only an average rider. The reason being that cavalry isn't that useful in the rainwood. He also enjoyed war games, having had the martial culture of the stormlands instilled in him since he could understand the concepts.

He is the last Larkyn in Westeros. There is a small cadet branch in Lys, but there hasnt been communication between the two in nearly 100 years. The whole slavery thing really soured relations.

>>2914758
Good thing we don't need her to like us to plow her infertile field.

>>2914856
Will our father try to have us legitimized or will we have to take our own last name ?

>>2914634
Or we just try to mend some fences. Will most likely take FOREVER and if she does conceive a child will want us gone in an instant.

>>2914856
I still think you are the father who is just embarresed to show yourself again

>>2914896
Nah he isn't. I've been lurking around though.

>>2914879
I really don't think it's a worthwhile affair. I don't think she'll ever have a reason to even feel neutral towards us. I think it's fairly obvious our father is just keeping her around for honors sake at this point and I've my doubts about their sex life with Manfyrd being back in the picture.

We've got our priorities and know that we need to build up our own power base. Wouldn't waste our time on the old. The real trick as a bastard is finding our own wife.

>>2914870
With the Mad King on the Iron Throne I think we might be better off waiting a few years before we push the legitimization issue. In character we can say we're waiting for the calmer Rheagar to take over to petition for it but metawise we know with Roberts Rebellion around the corner we have a chance to get in good with him then and then ask the favor.

>>2914856
So ole dad would probably be keen on his son taking an interest in wargames? Learning the craft and studying with him?

Relatively young House is neat but enough history to hit all the major historical moments. I would be interested in each of our history event rolls and what they corresponded to. I suspect given their loyalty to the Baratheons they were Greens during the Dance of the Dragons, which is different. Only other House I can think of off the top of my head with a side during the Dance is Malroy who are obvious Blacks.

>>2914935
Oh gee. You know what would be swell. If a certain someone continued his Malroy quest!

In seriousness though. What do you think of OP style ?

I noted before at the start of the thread that he reminded me A LOT of you.

Also i was thinking. What will our marriage options be OP ?

>>2914935
Why did you leave us daddy?

>>2914859
While I'm down for to try anything, the only way to have sex with step-mummy dearest would be through rape, and that isn't really Manfryds style

>>2914870
There will be a small torunament in Crows nest in 2 months time, when we get there, Markus is going to hear about the rumours of the tournament of Harrenhal and try and get a game plan together. What Manfryd does is completely up to you guys.

>>2914879
I can definitely say that you guys should have no fear of Helena miraculously becoming pregnant. She's as barren as a desert.

>>2914935
It's an honor to see you here Wardad. I hope you don't mind my stealing of your update style, of all the SoIaF quests yours were always the easiest to read so thats my reasoning for it. And as a matter of fact, Malroy actually inspired the beginnings of this house, they just took a different path. Both were of valyrian descent ( although the larkyns havent married back into a valyrian house in nearly 300 years so the blood is very diluted) and had martial origins, however instead of being loyal to the dragon the Larkyns were loyal to the stag. They were also vehemently supported
the greens during the dance of the dragons. Also, Markus would be thrilled if we showed an interest in military matters. Even more so than if we show an interest in fighting.

>>2914948
There will be a few marriage options, though depending what route we take at key events through the grand plot line we may not meet all of them. I don't really want to spoil to much about marriages, as we wont encounter our first option for a while.
.

>>2914935
Dad please continue Malroy or at least finish Grallner.

File: erect.jpg (285 KB, 1440x1440)

285 KB JPG

>>2915004
>the only way to have sex with step-mummy dearest would be through rape
Everything about that sentence is just yes. Pic very much related.
>and that isn't really Manfryds style
This is probably for the best. It would only bring only bring sorrow and that's a whole 'nother fetish.

>>2915237
Anon no just no.

>>2915237
Sleepy pls

Man I hope op comes back.

>>2915262
Y'know what's weird there has never be a rapist character in a quest ever that hasn't been trash tier, for a board that is deeply seated in writing that requires good characterization it's odd we've never had one even If it is distasteful for some anons

not that anon just saying

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jw0mFPtC2POuhtzn7B13Djik0QeR5cJQ/view?usp=sharing

Finally got some headway done updating the history from paper to the internet.

I'll be running for a few hours tomorrow night, around 17:00 MDT ( Mountain Daylight Time). Got some ideas cooked up for how Manfryd can try and improve the family business.

>>2917374
Interesting history there.

>>2917374
Fun history. I really like the statues.

File: Forest Journey.jpg (60 KB, 625x416)

60 KB JPG

*One Week Later*

Your preparations to leave the castle and head to the hamlet were finally complete, or as a complete as they could be. The search for men to join the new garrison had proven difficult, but you were sure that there would be able bodies and hungry mouths in the village.

You and Harold had scoured the houses accounts for the past week during the evenings. Together you had formulated a plan to tour the forest, visit the mill and the workforce, and finally to try and meet with the village elders in order to try and convince them to uproot their lives and move them to the coast. Together you had worked deep into the night every evening, as your father had taken to drilling you during the day.

Whether is was through wargames in his solar or beating the snot out of you in the yard, he showed you that fighting and war was his domain in Oakmoss, and his domain alone.

You had always been intelligent, it was something you had to be proud. There were few trades which allowed a man to become literate, and you were far more than capable. You devoured books of every sort whenever you could get your hands on them. Yet, when attempting to command an army made of wood blocks upon a table, your father made you look absolutely inept. He outstrategized, outwitted and more plainly put, outsmarted you. And that was only after he'd beaten you black and blue in the training yard.

Ser Karson may have been more temperamental than wildfire, but when Markus Larkyn raised his normally low, grating voice to a yell, it was almost enough to make your bowels turn to water. Ser Greyson may have had the better of your spar until you had decided to end the duel on your terms, he was of no doubt more more skilled in true combat than you. After this week of leaving the yard covered in bruises, cuts and welts, you had the impression that if Ser Greyson and your father were to spar, Ser Greyson wouldn't last more than a few minutes. Every movement was calculated, and the casual ease of which he wielded his arms was infuriating. You never even came close to striking him, but he seemed content enough with your progress.

Now, riding side by side with Ser Greyson , ahead of his nearly completed regiment that still had no name, you began your journey to prove your worth.

It wasn't until you were out of eye-shot of the castle, as it disappeared behind thick forest that Ser Greyson turned to question you.

"Why did you do this bastard? Are you just trying to get rid of me? Think you can just get say a couple of words and like that I'd be gone out of your hair?"

How do you respond?

> Humility, Sometimes you need to kiss a little ass
> Honesty, Repeat what you said to the council
> Annoyance, Explain what you thought of him, although maybe you were wrong


// House keeping//
Do you guys have any suggestions for the name of Ser Greysons new regiment? or the hamlet as a matter of fact?

>>2919402
> Honesty, Repeat what you said to the council

The Stalwarts

>>2919402
>> Honesty, Repeat what you said to the council

>>2919454
+

Ask Ser Greyson what he thinks of this idea.

>>2919402
>Honesty, Repeat what you said to the council

>>2919402
Larkyn Hope for the Hamlet

Larkynburg sound good ?

You'd been expecting this, and you'd had your points ready.

"You know where I grew up Ser Greyson. The Weeping Town. It's as busy of a port as the Stormlands have. And there I saw corruption and smuggling take place right beneath the nose of the city watch. In fact, more than a few of the watch were in on the crimes, either turning a blind eye or actively participating. I don't know what your fathers told you of the council meeting, but I suggested your name because I thought you a man of honor. Even during our spar, despite your obvious distaste for me, you acted with honor. I have plans to build a port, and hopefully a community that will, if the gods are good, surpass the Weeping Town, and in order to do that, I need to start from the ground up by creating a guard with a captain who won't be able to be bought. Who will push his men and encourage the rule of law."

As you talk of honor and the port, you can see a slight glint in his eye, though he quickly shakes his head and responds only with silence.

"My father also instructed me to inform you that you were to oversee my training during my time away from Oakmoss."

He had begun to ride away, but at that looks back with annoyance clearly written on his face.

"Let me make one thing clear. I will not disobey an order from Lord Markus without cause, but if I am to train you, it will be done by my rules. We shall begin at the crack of dawn and not a moment later. You shall listen to what i have to say and follow through on my corrections without question. And finally, if you so much as think about pulling another stunt like you did at the castle, I'll beat you within an inch of your life and deliver you to your father on a wagon, and gods be damned. I'll not be embarrassed in front of my men and have them mock me in their cups. Understood?"

You nod your head and and you two ride on in silence, the only sound to be heard was the clinking of mail, the sound of boots on stone and the soft drizzle of rain that leaks through the tree cover.

"Have you thought of a name for your regiment yet?"

You can see him roll his eyes from behind, his annoyance visible from his every motion as he waits for you to catch up.

"Do you ever stop asking questions? By the seven..."

There was an awkward pause before...

"But now that you mention it...no, I haven't."

He looks troubled by this. He was clearly proud of his post, and now the thought of them being just another nameless garrison bothered him

"The Stalwarts maybe? If you need help coming up with a name, I've got a a vocabulary that could help"

"A vocavu...what?"

"A vocabulary. It means I know a lot of words."

"Yeah well, I'll keep it in mind, but can we please just ride in silence. I need to think"

And with that you ride on for the rest of the trip, with only your thoughts to keep you company.

>>2919402
Unit name the Homeguard?

New hamlet name Port Town?

File: Mill.png (730 KB, 800x541)

730 KB PNG

You soon turn off of the stone rainroad and onto a muddy track that takes you south towards the coast. Over the next few hours you pass through a scattering of small villages, each numbering no more than 50 or so residents in each. It isn't until it is nearing twilight that you come into what is clearly the center of the region. It is perhaps of village of 400 people, the community centered around the timber mill that sits beside the creek that runs along the east side of the village, and the inn that sits across the muddy track that serves as a road from it.

Upon arriving, both the inn keep and the mill overseer come out of their respective buildings and welcome you and Ser Greyson. Despite a slight bickering over who would proceed to speak, they eventually begin taking turns and half interrupting each other.

"Welcome my Lords" begins the inn keep

"They ain't lords, Thissun's a knight, and th'other is our lords bastard son. Idiot. interrupts the overseer.

After nearly an hour of squabbling and talking, yourself and Ser Greyson are given rooms at the inn, and Ser Greysons men are given lodging where they can find it. The common room, the stables and some across the path at the mill.

Now sitting at a table in the common room with the two men, you begin to explain your purpose. When they hear about the permanent guard, they share a mutual look of relief. Apparently there had been some bandit activity in the area, which had resulted in a small skrimish in the village. The townsfolk had driven them off, but they were sure to return with greater numbers.

Ser Greyson stirs at this.

"Why had you not informed your Lord if you had been harassed by lawbreakers?"

The overseer wrings his hands over the table, with a shameful look on his face.

Ta tell you the truth Ser, more'n'a few o' our young lads 'ave gone off ta join 'em.

He looks at you apologetically before stating..

"Beggin yer pardons, but I've seen mor mercy in a storm than in yer father. He'd cut 'em all down, no matter if they threw down their swords and surrendered likes I know tey would."

The discussion continues into the wee hours of the morning, and the plan is agreed upon. Tomorrow morning you would travel the rainwood, to get a feel for the types of trees that were in it, and see if there was any way you could streamline the process.

But how would you go about it?

> Escorted by a few local lads, they knew where the logging was happening.
> Escorted by a few of Ser Greysons men, the talk of bandits shouldn't be taken lightly.
> Escorted by a large force of men, show the bandits there was a new sheriff in town
> Explore alone. It would be much easier to explore by yourself, and detection by bandits for more unlikely.

>>2919697
> Escorted by a large force of men, show the bandits there was a new sheriff in town

>>2919697
> Escorted by a large force of men, show the bandits there was a new sheriff in town

File: Rainwood2.0.jpg (290 KB, 804x603)

290 KB JPG

A show of strength. You would tour your fathers lands escorted by no less than 20 men. Ser Greyson had consented to the plan eagerly, hoping to provoke the bandits into a fight. While that wasn't your intention, as you'd actually hoped that such a display of force would drive the bandits further into the deepwood away from any villages, you didn't disclose that thought with Ser Greyson.

You woke long before dawn. You dressed and prepared yourself for a brutal training session with Ser Greyson before your left, but what actually happened was two hours of footwork and practicing movements. Ser Greyson was a good teacher when he cared to be. After that, you began your tour of the forest. The forest was... green. An endless sea of green. Moss covered many of the trees, and little brooks and creeks broke and divided the dark loamy soil. You traveled and toured for the entirety of the day, making camp in a clear of one of the timber cuts. Dusk was settling in, and as you strolled the outskirts of the clearing inspecting the trees while the men were tending to a budding fire and setting up some tents to sleep under, you started to get a feeling that you were being watched.

>3D6 for awareness please

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

>>2919844

Rolled 4, 4, 1 = 9 (3d6)

>>2919844

Rolled 4, 1, 5 = 10 (3d6)

>>2919844

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

>>2919844

Roll 13 Vs DC:15

Roll Failed.

>>2919858
Missed it by that much anon.

Writing....

But as soon as you begin to feel your being watched, the feeling disappears. You gave your head a shake and walked back to the safety of the fire. You talk to the men and try to build a rapport with them, asking them where they come from and swapping stories with them. The night passes on quickly and soon it's time to draw for the watch. You yourself draw the first, and you take up a torch and begin patrolling your stretch of perimeter. Your shift goes by uneventfully, and after your relieved, you fall to sleep swiftly.

Your tour resumes at the break of day and soon you can begin to hear the crash of the waves. Breaking through the tree line you find the shore to be a series of rocky cliffs and impassable rocks, although the sea itself was far calmer than it was farther east, there was still chop to it, with whiteheads breaching the sea-green waves.

"Small wonder House Larkyn had never had any power at sea" you think to yourself.

You ride slowly, so as to allow your men to keep up on foot, along the coast before finding a medium sized cove, where the water was significantly calmer than the surrounding seas, and it had a shallow rocky beach where it might be possible to build the port you wanted. It wasn't an hour longer before you found the mouth of the stream the village mill was powered by, and begin back into the forest. You begin to notice that here there are more deciduous trees here instead of the more dominant redwoods and pines.

Nearing the end of the second day you return to the village, and you head to the mill. The sun was setting but your task wasn't done yet. You dismiss the men to the inn, which is met with a raucous cheer, before heading into the mill. You sit down with the overseer, whom his men call "Earnest Ern" and begin to talk of the things you've seen.

Now how much, and what, did Manfryd see?

> 6D6 for Knowledge

Rolled 1, 1, 4, 5, 1, 6 = 18 (6d6)

>>2919949
>>2919949

Rolled 6, 3, 4, 4, 6, 4 = 27 (6d6)

>>2919949

Rolled 2, 4, 3, 4, 4, 5 = 22 (6d6)

>>2919949

Knowledge Test for Lumber Improvement

Rolling 4D6 Knowledge + 2D6 Education

Knowledge Focus: Nature - All bonus dice are treated as test dice for this test

Rolled 27 Vs DC: 12

Four Degrees of Success

"Are you familiar with the properties of wood Ern?"

"Umm, only that somes harder than others. Oh, 'n' some 'r' differen colours too."

You blink back your shock, to which he replies that he gets paid to chop down trees, not know anything about them.

You go on to explain that the majority of the forest was made of redwoods and pines, soft woods that were excellent for boat building. However, there were groves of oak and alder as well which made for excellent spear shafts, furniture and castle gates. You informed Ern that you would be instructing him on which wood was which, and about how harvesting from certain parts of the forest and allowing them to regrow would benefit them down the line. The woods would be sorted accordingly and shipped in groups, to fetch a better price and more importantly, shipped to the recipient who could put that type of wood for its purpose.

"For instance, sending a cord of soft wood logs to the Herstons, a house with no rivers or coasts in it's lands, would be next to useless." you explain.

You also explained how if the village was to move closer to the sea, it would be possible to pole the timber down the stream, thus eliminating the need to try and drag the cut timber through mud and stumps with great stots, massive horses that required much upkeep in the way of food, tack and shoes. In short, it would allow more time to be spent cutting and refining than transporting, all the while cutting down on costs.

Lastly, near to the coast, there was a large stand of maple trees. You'd knew that the trees had a sweet smell when cut, coming from the sap that leaked out of the bark when the tree was hewn. The sap was even slightly sweet to the taste. Remembering a book regarding the flora of the Summer Isles. Particularly a chapter about certain poisonous trees. There was a certain technique to harvesting the deadly sap, which consisted of inserting a small metal tube into the tree, while hanging a bucket from the end of it. Changes in temperature at dawn and dusk would cause the sap to leak from the tree and into the bucket, where it could later be refined into a more concentrated version of the poison.

You tell Ern that no trees are to be harvested from that maple grove, and that after you'd spoken with the village smith, you would take him and some of his best and most diligent men to the grove, and show them what you wanted of them.

You smile to yourself. This was how you would convince your father. If you could sell the syrup from those trees, the house coffers could be bolstered by a considerable margin. All you would need to do was harvest and produce a sample of it to present to your father and the council at their next meeting. Easily done within the month.

Ern nods his head, the thought of wealth, and perhaps more importantly, less labor intrigued him, although he warned you that the inn keep, Bolun, would most likely object to moving the village to the coast. He wouldn't say why, but he wished you luck and with that, you headed back to the inn. You found it deserted, even Bolun had gone to sleep, so with that you retired for the evening, intent on speaking with the inn keep come the morning.
Alright I'll leave you guys with that, I'll be back on at the same time tomorrow, as after that I'll be shipping off to work for a week or so and will be unable to run. If you guys are curious, below is the homebrew I came up with regarding the forests.

I'll answer any questions you guys might have for about half an hour tonight, and during the day before we start running in earnest tomorrow.

Cheers, Rex.

Homebrew Wealth Holding

Maple Grove

Cost: 5 Wealth

Effects: 2+ Wealth

Limitations: Requires dense forest, cannot be begun in summer

>>2920049
Manfryd knows his wood. Both when it is soft and when it is hard

So who thinks Bolun is leading the bandits?

>>2920039
>Particularly a chapter about certain poisonous trees.

Do I not know something about maple sap/syrup being poisonous? I know it is to horses but I'm a bit confused here.

Hemlock is a poisonous tree, is that what was meant?

>>2920049
We are about to get royally buttfucked ambushed. RIght ?

>>2920131
No there's nothing poisonous about maple syrup, I just don't know if that kind of tree tapping technique exists in westeros, so I just made something up about a tree with poisonous sap that the summer islanders tap in a similar way to the way we tap maple trees today to explain Manfryd's idea.

>>2920151
I will say this, and it will be purposely vague. Someone, or something, was watching Manfryd in that clearing. Maybe it's better he didn't actually notice who or what was there, or maybe he's missed something vital that could lead to his doom.

>>2920392
>I will say this, and it will be purposely vague. Someone, or something, was watching Manfryd in that clearing. Maybe it's better he didn't actually notice who or what was there, or maybe he's missed something vital that could lead to his doom.

It is his future Bandit-Rebel waifu confirmed!

>>2920428
>Nah,Rhaepist Targaryen wants to carry him off like Lyanna

>>2920716
I’d be okay with that.

>>2920392
Oh alright way less confused I just read that weird.

I'm a few hours early so i figured I'd do some clarification of things and explain myself before I get going on some writing here, and explain my run times and what my vision is for the quest..

1.The rulebook states that an example of a river is is the tumblestone, which is described as wild and uncrossable except for at a few fords.The stream in our domain is an unnamed stream that measures about 20 feet across, and around 5 feet deep at most places, although there are a few patches where it gets deeper, mainly near the it's mouth where it meets the ocean.

2. I work a job that takes me away from home for weeks at a a time, often to places without internet so during those stretches I will obviously be unable to run, but when I'm home I have very little to keep me from running during the day, or even a few days continuously.

3. I like to play pretty fast and loose with the rules, as I think the story and quest should take precedence over the crunch, so if anyone ever has any ideas of things for Manfryd to do, or ways to overcome problems, feel free to throw them out. If there is support for them and it's within character I'll 9 times out of 10 allow it.

4. I am very technologically illiterate, so I'm going to ask for a little patience while I try and get these character sheets, house stats etc up on the internet. I'm actually going to pick up Excel for dummies or something similar so I can try to figure this shit out.

5. Lastly, if all things allow. I plan to run this quest for the foreseeable future. At the very least through Roberts Rebellion and well into the aftermath. Although, I will say that should Manfryd die, the quest won't end. The quest will live on, most likely through his father. You haven't really encountered any life threatening situations yet, but death is common in this world.

(Just as a PS, Manfryd has the Bastard Born flaw, which causes him to take a 1D penalty with persuasion with characters with higher status than you. The only exception to his will be your father, as your as his bastard, and only child. I felt I should explain why you still got your 3 Dice when trying to persuade your father.)

>>2921555
Main point I got is. Qhen your hone we can generally run a few good runs.
With the only downside that we may not see you for a couple weeks at a time.

How far away are we from Roberts rebellion? I was thinking it would be interesting to be Targ loyalists. If the rebellion succeeds there isn’t really much profit in it for us unless a bunch of our neighbors get wiped out in it. But if it fails, any loyalists in the storm lands, would get rewarded very richly.

>>2921743
Half the Stormlands were Targ loyalists so we might have a chance to get more land if we side with Bobby B and perform well enough.

>>2921767
https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Battles_at_Summerhall

Between these three and the Conningtons is greatly overstated half.

That being said we should aide with Robert, it's a bad call not to.

>>2921798
Huh everyone has always said half the Stormlands were loyalists. But it might be fun to play a loyalist and be rewarded some sweet sweet rebel clay.

Though that said we either need to focus on personal combat or warfare to stand a chance against Bobby B.

>>2921712
Yeah that pretty much sums it up.

>>2921743
We are currently in the tenth month of the year 280 AC, so we are a little under a year and a half from Roberts Rebellion.

>>2921743
>>2921767
>>2921798
>>2921841
The Larkyns have a history of being loyal to the Baratheons, so it's pretty doubtful that Markus would side with Aerys. Particularly when he sees how far the king has fallen at Harrenhal next year. This is compounded even more so when you consider that Robert is a warrior, first and foremost. those qualities in a Lord, and potential king would greatly appeal to Markus.

You awaken to the ever present rainfall pattering against the roof of the inn. The sun hasn't risen, but your training with Ser Greyson would not wait for even the celestial bodies. By torch light, he instructs you on the proper way to strike with your great sword, and ways to keep your balance with armor on. He was a strict task master, but he was more than a competent knight. You had originally thought that without getting beaten to a pulp that perhaps the pain in your body might lessen, but in fact the opposite was true. Your muscles burned from exertion, as he had you run round the village in your armor or endlessly practice the same strike over again. When he decided you'd done enough for the day, you spy Bolun emerging from a root cellar beside his inn and rush over to speak with him.

When the idea is brought up of moving the village, it is met with apprehensive resistance. Talk of the trouble of having to rebuild, and moving such a large number of kegs and the like. You silently think to yourself that Ern was willing to disassemble and move his mill, a far more daunting task. You follow him into his room behind the bar, and he begins to lose his patience with you.

"It simply can't be done Manfryd. There is too much to move. Not to mention my family has lived in this village for nearly 100 years. Nope, I'm sorry but it is out of the question."

One of his daughters comes in and asks about the other keg that needs bringing up. When you offer to retrieve it for him, he flushes and says that he'll get it later. His daughter tells him that breakfast is being served soon and the men will want beer. That earns her a look of daggers, and he leaves without another word.

"Women" he says shaking his head. "They prattle on endlessly don't they. Anyhow, how did your expedition make out? I'd love to hear about it, knowledge is power as they say."

You noticed the sudden change of subject, but decide to play along, discussing the various trees you found and your ideas to Bolun. He congratulates you on the idea of the sap harvesting, but his look darkens when you mention that Ser Greyson will be staying on full time as the garrison of the village.

"Thats all we need now, is some up jumped knight trying to lord his titles over the rest of us. No doubt he'll be looking at my daughters too no less"

"Ser Greyson is an honorable man Bolun" you say as you try to reassure him. "I doubt highly that he'll be making unwanted passes at your daughters, and while he expects his due as a knight, he isn't unnecessarily pompous.

This is met with a derisive look, and the him saying that he had work to do, and with that he escorted you out of his room and into the common room.

As you sit down to your breakfast, a hearty meal of bread, cheese and some dark beer, you notice Bolun coming back up with the other keg, whistling a tune.

You finish up and head outside. Some of the local lumber jacks had been employed to fell and prepare wood for the village itself, and now spikes were being driven into the ground forming a defensive perimeter around the village that Ser Greyson's men could control. He'd begun calling them the "Stalwart Grey Guard". A touch vain you thought, but they were his men after all. You walk about the men as they work, and come to the black smith who was working on the pieces youd order for your taps.

"They'll be ready fer tumorrow m'lord" he says as he delicately pounds the metal into the desired shape. You thank him and continue your rounds.

Is there anything we want to do today?

> Write in
>Timeskip to this evening

>>2922014
> Write in

Take a walk around the village. Get a feel of the area and the people

>>2922014
Timeskip

1:1, my fault for running on a tuesday night, I'll give it a few more minutes to see if anyones lurking, otherwise I'll just plug ahead

>>2922014
Timeskip to this evening
>>2922503
if things are slow don't be afraid to roll a 1d2 to decide to keep things moving

>>2922014
Nature Knowledge check on the stream. See what sort of fish it carries, if any at all worth fishing for compared to the fish of the oceanfront nearby. Potentially use it as a way to convince villagers that the fishing and thus living is better on the oceans.

Regardless, check to see if anyone is trapping. Mudcrabs and crawdads should be common here. If no one is using the stream inquiry why not?

>>2922503
Here now, didn't see the thread at first because it sagged to page 3

I'll just time skip ahead. There's trouble on the horizon..

Evening comes fast. You retire to the inn, your leather boots thunking into the rain soaked wood. You open the door to find a throng of guards feasting on their dinner. A hearty stew of venison caught by the local hunters, along with some root vegetables from the village gardens. They hail you and call for you to join them, but you notice Bolun is absent. A curious notion that seems odd, considering how protective he normally was of his daughters when the men were around. It isn't long before one of the men comes up to you and mentions Ser Greyson was looking or you. He said that he requested your presence in his room, and to bring beer. You decide to...

> Go eat with Ser Greyson, it was an odd thing for him to summon you

> Ask the serving girls about Bolun, something queer was afoot

> Eat with the men, you'd been building a rapport with them , and they could give you some insight towards Ser Greyson

Choose carefully...

>>2922569
Whoops, lost my trip

>>2922569
>> Ask the serving girls about Bolun, something queer was afoot
He’s definitely up to something.

>>2922569
>Ask the serving girls about Bolun, something queer was afoot

You thank the man, before heading over to Bolun's oldest daughter, a pretty thing who at the oldest might be 16. She smiles sweetly before telling you that he went to get more beer from the cellar. The additional men had been going throught the beer she said, giving a quick scowl towards the Stalwart Grey Guard.

You thank her, before turning away. There was something about this that you didn't like. You slipped out the door into the night, before turning around the back of the building. The door to the root cellar had a lock on it, but it was currently open as Bolun was down there. You begin to creep down the low steps, careful to not knock your head. You can see the warm glow of a torch at the end of the hallway that goes under the whole of the inn, but as you creep forward you think you can hear voices.

You slowly walk forward being as silent as you can...

5D6 please

First 2D6 for Stealth
The next 3D6 for Awareness

Rolled 6, 2, 2, 2, 5 = 17 (5d6)

>>2922645
Well here’s hoping I roll like I did in dads quests.

Rolled 5, 2, 5, 3, 6 = 21 (5d6)

>>2922645

Rolled 2, 5, 5, 2, 3 = 17 (5d6)

>>2922645

Stealth Check
~ Rolled 8 Vs DC: 6
~ Result : Passed, One Degree of Success

Awareness Check
~ Rolled 14 Vs DC: 12
~ Result Passed, One Degree of Success

You crept forward, and the sound of the ruckus upstairs drowned out your footsteps, even when your cloak caught on an errant nail and ripped the sound couldn't be heard above the clamor. The closer you got, the more distinct the voices became. One you recognized as Bolun, even as he was speaking low, barely above a whisper. The other was a gruff manly voice which didn't seem made for whispering...

"What in the fuck brought them here?"

"Apparently Larkyn has a bastard son, and he's on a mission to improve things, make a name for himself."

"Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. Well it's to late to turn this around now. You take care of that prick knight?"


"Yes. Just like you told me. A few crushed nightshade berries inside in his wine. I brought him his supper not half an hour ago so the effects should already be beginning to take hold."

"Good. And don't forget..it's us who's keeping those pretty daughters of yours safe.

You hear what sounds like a dagger being drawn against leather, and Bolun whimpering with fear.

"The boys and I will come up through the tunnel here in a few hours once the idiots have all drunk themselves to sleep. You take your daughters and yourself inside that room of yours as we slip upstairs and cut em up quick, before heading outside and taking it to the rest of them, just as the rest of the lads come creeping out of the forest. Any survivors should slink on away out of here, and our deal can go on as normal."

You turn immediately and make for the stairs., having heard more than enough. You had to save Ser Greyson, and more importantly, you had to prepare the men for an impending bandit raid. Unfortunately nearly half of them were stinking drunk and a quarter were passed out as they tried to get some sleep before their watch started...


Alright I'm going to call that here. Ill be around for the rest of the night and most of tomorrow to answer questions and discuss what were going to do.(And figure out how to archive a quest) In the mean time, I'll be working on character sheets and list of people involved in the quest so far. Odds are I'll be away for a week or so, so hopefully I'll be able to run not this weekend, but the next. I know I posted it earlier in the thread but here's the twitter to follow, where I'll be sure to keep everyone updated when the next quest is. Thanks again for playing guys.

https://twitter.com/BloodStormGm

>>2922872
Okay. Those bandits and Bolun needs to die. Give the daughters to the men for this fucking cowardly treason.

Time to get Greyson and hope we didn’t drink too much. Then after that it depends on how many men are left if not much we go back and get the guerillas and have them take the bandits out.

>>2922889
Poor Bolun, he's honestly not a bad man. He's just greedy, and maybe a little bit of a coward.

>>2922893
Manfryd hasn't actually drank anything yet. He was on his way to dinner when he noticed there was trouble. The real thing is if Greyson drank to much, and if he did, whether Manfryd knows any remedies for Nightshade poisoning.

>>2922912
>Poor Bolun, he's honestly not a bad man. He's just greedy, and maybe a little bit of a coward.


He had every chance to do the right thing but he still chose "try to kill the lords son and his men" option. He need to pay so it will send a message to everyone who consider throwing their lot with these people

>>2922915
Oh he absolutely did, but there is definitely a reason he chose to side with the bandits that'll be explained next thread. And the real question is do you give him to your father, or do you and Ser Greyson deal with him yourselves. Keep in mind Manfryd hasn't killed anyone before. Next thread is going to be fun. Very action packed.

>>2922923
I’d say bring him to dad as we don’t really have the authority to kill him. But if he dies in the fighting? Shit happens.

Also we are a small time lord or one of Baratheon’s direct vassal?

>>2922935
House Larkyn were once principle bannermen to House Baratheon, and perhaps the most preeminent house in the Rainwood. Equivalent to House Caron or Dondarrion. Now though, after 80 or so years of unsuccessful marriages and the general decline of the house, they are at the upper echelon of the minor houses, such as Morrigen or Buckler.