GM Note : Lord Connington was arrested for his actions, and has thus obviously been disarmed. You cannot will it into existance when it does not make sense. No more godmodding in the future please.
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((Private))
Lord Arryn sat in front of the roaring fire, a cup of Arbor win in his hand.
"The Royces have spurned me once more. They denied a marriage offer from Jon. The future Lord of the Vale, they laughed at my attempts to improve relations between lords, by encouraging trade and friendly competition.
They laughed at my son's journey across my land, attempting to stretch out a hand of friendship to lords alienated by my forefathers actions. All he received was mockery and scorn.
They sat in their castles and holdfasts while Jon ventured into the mountains to defeat the savages. When he returned victorious he received no praise from the men he had fought to protect.
My actions have been benign and just, yet all I have received is mockery, disdain and hatred. The house of Arryn has stood as lords of the Eyrie for hundreds of years, yet I may be the one who ends that."
Lord Arryn sighed, taking in the last of his fine wine. As the fire in front of him died low, it's light fading.
Lord Arryn poured himself another glass. Raising his cup, he toasted: "As high as honour" before drowning his Sorrows and failures in drink.
Lord Arryn sat in front of the roaring fire, a cup of Arbor win in his hand.
"The Royces have spurned me once more. They denied a marriage offer from Jon. The future Lord of the Vale, they laughed at my attempts to improve relations between lords, by encouraging trade and friendly competition.
They laughed at my son's journey across my land, attempting to stretch out a hand of friendship to lords alienated by my forefathers actions. All he received was mockery and scorn.
They sat in their castles and holdfasts while Jon ventured into the mountains to defeat the savages. When he returned victorious he received no praise from the men he had fought to protect.
My actions have been benign and just, yet all I have received is mockery, disdain and hatred. The house of Arryn has stood as lords of the Eyrie for hundreds of years, yet I may be the one who ends that."
Lord Arryn sighed, taking in the last of his fine wine. As the fire in front of him died low, it's light fading.
Lord Arryn poured himself another glass. Raising his cup, he toasted: "As high as honour" before drowning his Sorrows and failures in drink.
Both the sunrise and the sunset in the Hightower were always a pretty sight, it is there were Quenton grew up, watching sunrise after sunrise, sunset after sunset. His office was found in one of the top floors of the hightower, from there, he could see all of the city and well beyond that. He sat down in his table and reviewd the acounts for that month, things were looking good, since he doubled the income of his house, he sat there, with a smile in his face.
"Job well done Quenton" he tought to himself "Job well done, the peasants wont like it, its winter, I understand their point"
His self bragging was quickly interupted by someone entering the large room, he was at first alarmed by who might this person be, but he sat down bacl to comfort when he realised it was his wife.
"Were you scared, M'lord?" She jokingly asked
"You get me everytime, dont you?"
He stood up and kissed her in the mouth, he loved that women, with all the passion of his heart.
"I believe you are overworking yourself again" She said
"Im not my dear" he answered "A lord's work is both a blessing and a curse"
She walked around the room with a chalice of wine in her hand
"He spoke" she said
"Im sorry?" Asked Quenton "I don't follow"
"Baelor" she answered "He said his first word"
It was Baelor, his young son. At that moment, Quenton wanted to cry of joy, but tried to keep his posture as the lord of the Hightower, he could not afford to lose his authoritive pose.
"That is wonderful, my dear" He said "I will probaly play with the boys in the garden after I finish up with my work for today"
There was a quick pause
"There are alot of Ravens leaving the hightower" she said "Is it related to what is taking place in the capital?"
"Not really, the intrigue that goes on in that nest of snakes called King's Landing is no business of mine"
"Then what is it about? Can i know?" she asked
"This, my dear, is business, business beyond the Neck"
"Job well done Quenton" he tought to himself "Job well done, the peasants wont like it, its winter, I understand their point"
His self bragging was quickly interupted by someone entering the large room, he was at first alarmed by who might this person be, but he sat down bacl to comfort when he realised it was his wife.
"Were you scared, M'lord?" She jokingly asked
"You get me everytime, dont you?"
He stood up and kissed her in the mouth, he loved that women, with all the passion of his heart.
"I believe you are overworking yourself again" She said
"Im not my dear" he answered "A lord's work is both a blessing and a curse"
She walked around the room with a chalice of wine in her hand
"He spoke" she said
"Im sorry?" Asked Quenton "I don't follow"
"Baelor" she answered "He said his first word"
It was Baelor, his young son. At that moment, Quenton wanted to cry of joy, but tried to keep his posture as the lord of the Hightower, he could not afford to lose his authoritive pose.
"That is wonderful, my dear" He said "I will probaly play with the boys in the garden after I finish up with my work for today"
There was a quick pause
"There are alot of Ravens leaving the hightower" she said "Is it related to what is taking place in the capital?"
"Not really, the intrigue that goes on in that nest of snakes called King's Landing is no business of mine"
"Then what is it about? Can i know?" she asked
"This, my dear, is business, business beyond the Neck"
"Bed them! Bed them!" the rowdy wedding party shouted. The men lifted Humfrey while the women did the same to young Delena. Both were mortified and red-faced.
Runceford knew Humfrey hated being the center of attention and would prefer to be left alone. Too bad, he thought. He thought back to his own wedding. Bethany was all courtesy and grace. He was so drunk he barely remembered most of it.
And what of the girl? A pretty little thing, but she had not even seen thirteen name days. Did she know what to do in bed? Surely Humfrey would, at least. He had begged his brother for a wife for over a year but then complained the last six months after he learned his bride was only a little girl. Runceford ignored his complaints. Didn't he appreciate the fact that his brother had arranged a match with one of the oldest houses in Westeros? He took another drink. He was very drunk.
At least Wendell was a grateful brother. Runceford hoped he would not shame the dynasty. Wendell did not have to be Ryam Redwyne reborn but he had to honor the Arbor. The lord found himself wishing Wendell was here, even if he would not have gotten drunk. He would be better company than most of these fools at the wedding, he was sure.
His wife, Lady Bethany. Woke him out of his stupor.
"Make conversation with Lord Florent," she commanded him.
Always so demanding!
"Let me drink," Runceford complained.
"The lord looks like he is in need of a conversation partner," Bethany replied. "Keep him company."
"Fine," he reluctantly agreed. Runceford rose from his seat and stumbled toward the other end of the dais where the bride's father was seated. He plopped down next to Florent in the chair to his left.
"Lord Florent," he muttered. "I hope you enjoy the wine."
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Erren's thoughts were on the past when Lord Redwyne moved to sit next to him. He had only been to a couple weddings in his life, although they were not as lavish as this one. The first he barely remembered, he was but a child and was kept out of sight as much as possible; his father's second marriage. The second was in Oldtown, when Damon ran away from the Citadel and married a serving girl he had impregnated. It was a night to remember, cheap but genuine. The pair joined a mummer's troupe after; he hoped they were doing well. Now this; an extravagant ceremony, expensive gifts, song and dance, the best wine Erren had ever tasted, and now the bedding.
Lord Redwyne had asked him about the wine. "Anything to help me pretend I didn't just wed a child to a grown man," Erren replied, practically whispering. The young lord immediately dropped his head in shame, realizing he might have just insulted Lord Redwyne.
"My apologies, my lord. I hope my remark didn't offend."
He tried not to drink much, preferring to keep his senses about him. Drinking a mug of water between cups of wine, eating as much as his stomach would allow; neither helped, there was just so much damn wine. And it was damn good too. Erren had grown used to cheap mead in derelict taverns, so tonight was a considerable departure from previous experiences in a variety of ways.
It didn't help he walked a stranger down the aisle to marry someone neither of them knew. His half-sister seemed like a sweet girl, but they had practically just met. The marriage pact was worked out by his father before his death, but he couldn't help but feel guilty when thinking about it. A little girl and a man who was a decade older than her? Even in death his father found ways to haunt him.
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Runceford stiffened when he heard Lord Erren's remark.
"A word of advice," he said, curtly, "do not feel queasy when it comes to matters of the state and dynasty. Do not show weakness. If you do, your enemies will trample on your grave."
He then stood.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Florent," he said.
If Lord Erren was squeamish about marrying off a child bride then he would have a lot to learn. Westeros was a harsh place. You had to do whatever it takes to secure your house's place or it would fall. Your individual feelings meant nothing- all must be subsumed to the purpose and glory of the dynasty. Runceford had learned that at a young age as Ironborn reavers surrounded his home and nearly destroyed it. Would Lord Erren?
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Erren stood right after Lord Redwyne did. "My hospitality is not limited to the great hall," he said. "Allow me to show you my solar, my lord."
Runceford gave Erren a hard stare. "Certainly."
The half-maester stepped in front of Lord Redwyne and led the way. The party was beginning to die down now that the bedding had taken place; Redwyne men leaving the great hall for their tents, couples giggling off to someplace private, and children with glazed eyes. It didn't matter to Erren, whose thoughts were on Delena. She's a strong girl. She knows her duty.
It was just a short walk to a flight of stairs, and up it, to the solar. Erren let out a sigh of relief once they were there. The fireplace and the tapestries, the library and the study, the family bedrooms; it all brought the young lord some piece.
"Please, sit," Erren said, motioning to a chair in front of the fireplace. Getting a bottle of rum and two mugs, he joined Lord Redwyne. "Not as tasty as your wine, my lord, but I've taken a liking to it." He poured for himself and the other lord. Summer Islanders had given him his first taste many months ago.
"I'm sure we can think of something to discuss," the young lord said as he gazed into the fire. "Politics?"
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"Forgive me, my lord," Runceford said. "I spoke rashly before."
He followed Lord Erren's lead and took a drink of wine.
"Perchance you have heard my brother, Wendell, just joined the Kingsguard."
"I have indeed," Lord Erren responded. "Congratulations."
"That would place him in a powerful position in King's Landing," Runceford said.
"Go on..."
Runceford knew Humfrey hated being the center of attention and would prefer to be left alone. Too bad, he thought. He thought back to his own wedding. Bethany was all courtesy and grace. He was so drunk he barely remembered most of it.
And what of the girl? A pretty little thing, but she had not even seen thirteen name days. Did she know what to do in bed? Surely Humfrey would, at least. He had begged his brother for a wife for over a year but then complained the last six months after he learned his bride was only a little girl. Runceford ignored his complaints. Didn't he appreciate the fact that his brother had arranged a match with one of the oldest houses in Westeros? He took another drink. He was very drunk.
At least Wendell was a grateful brother. Runceford hoped he would not shame the dynasty. Wendell did not have to be Ryam Redwyne reborn but he had to honor the Arbor. The lord found himself wishing Wendell was here, even if he would not have gotten drunk. He would be better company than most of these fools at the wedding, he was sure.
His wife, Lady Bethany. Woke him out of his stupor.
"Make conversation with Lord Florent," she commanded him.
Always so demanding!
"Let me drink," Runceford complained.
"The lord looks like he is in need of a conversation partner," Bethany replied. "Keep him company."
"Fine," he reluctantly agreed. Runceford rose from his seat and stumbled toward the other end of the dais where the bride's father was seated. He plopped down next to Florent in the chair to his left.
"Lord Florent," he muttered. "I hope you enjoy the wine."
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Erren's thoughts were on the past when Lord Redwyne moved to sit next to him. He had only been to a couple weddings in his life, although they were not as lavish as this one. The first he barely remembered, he was but a child and was kept out of sight as much as possible; his father's second marriage. The second was in Oldtown, when Damon ran away from the Citadel and married a serving girl he had impregnated. It was a night to remember, cheap but genuine. The pair joined a mummer's troupe after; he hoped they were doing well. Now this; an extravagant ceremony, expensive gifts, song and dance, the best wine Erren had ever tasted, and now the bedding.
Lord Redwyne had asked him about the wine. "Anything to help me pretend I didn't just wed a child to a grown man," Erren replied, practically whispering. The young lord immediately dropped his head in shame, realizing he might have just insulted Lord Redwyne.
"My apologies, my lord. I hope my remark didn't offend."
He tried not to drink much, preferring to keep his senses about him. Drinking a mug of water between cups of wine, eating as much as his stomach would allow; neither helped, there was just so much damn wine. And it was damn good too. Erren had grown used to cheap mead in derelict taverns, so tonight was a considerable departure from previous experiences in a variety of ways.
It didn't help he walked a stranger down the aisle to marry someone neither of them knew. His half-sister seemed like a sweet girl, but they had practically just met. The marriage pact was worked out by his father before his death, but he couldn't help but feel guilty when thinking about it. A little girl and a man who was a decade older than her? Even in death his father found ways to haunt him.
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Runceford stiffened when he heard Lord Erren's remark.
"A word of advice," he said, curtly, "do not feel queasy when it comes to matters of the state and dynasty. Do not show weakness. If you do, your enemies will trample on your grave."
He then stood.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Florent," he said.
If Lord Erren was squeamish about marrying off a child bride then he would have a lot to learn. Westeros was a harsh place. You had to do whatever it takes to secure your house's place or it would fall. Your individual feelings meant nothing- all must be subsumed to the purpose and glory of the dynasty. Runceford had learned that at a young age as Ironborn reavers surrounded his home and nearly destroyed it. Would Lord Erren?
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Erren stood right after Lord Redwyne did. "My hospitality is not limited to the great hall," he said. "Allow me to show you my solar, my lord."
Runceford gave Erren a hard stare. "Certainly."
The half-maester stepped in front of Lord Redwyne and led the way. The party was beginning to die down now that the bedding had taken place; Redwyne men leaving the great hall for their tents, couples giggling off to someplace private, and children with glazed eyes. It didn't matter to Erren, whose thoughts were on Delena. She's a strong girl. She knows her duty.
It was just a short walk to a flight of stairs, and up it, to the solar. Erren let out a sigh of relief once they were there. The fireplace and the tapestries, the library and the study, the family bedrooms; it all brought the young lord some piece.
"Please, sit," Erren said, motioning to a chair in front of the fireplace. Getting a bottle of rum and two mugs, he joined Lord Redwyne. "Not as tasty as your wine, my lord, but I've taken a liking to it." He poured for himself and the other lord. Summer Islanders had given him his first taste many months ago.
"I'm sure we can think of something to discuss," the young lord said as he gazed into the fire. "Politics?"
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"Forgive me, my lord," Runceford said. "I spoke rashly before."
He followed Lord Erren's lead and took a drink of wine.
"Perchance you have heard my brother, Wendell, just joined the Kingsguard."
"I have indeed," Lord Erren responded. "Congratulations."
"That would place him in a powerful position in King's Landing," Runceford said.
"Go on..."
As the Pale Griffon spoke, Brynden's face remained emotionless, not reacting to any of the feeble insults that the former Lord Commander threw at him. His one eye bearing a hole in the traitor. After he had finished speaking, Brynden stood, his face revealing nothing, aside from a look of contempt. Purposely omitting the Knight's request, Brynden spoke in a strong voice. "As it is clear that the Lord Commander does not wish to serve the realm in the Night's Watch, I have no choice but to sentence Ser Alyn Connington to death." A gasp runs through the gallery, never before has a regent so brazenly disregarded the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. "If he so desires, he may meet with a Septon to make his peace with the Gods." Motioning with his hand to take the Knight back to his cell, Brynden turned his glare to Christopher Cole and Damion Sarwyck. "Sers Cole and Sarwyck, what is your choice?"
The Folly of Lord Whent
Built by the Ironborn nearly three centuries ago, it was once the mightiest castle in all of Westeros. But castles are not dragonproof and Harren the Black died in the castle with the rest of his family.
As the year was passing on, Lord Tully had taken up residence. Not in his home of Riverrun, but in a warcamp. It was outside the ancient and cursed castle of Harrenhal he sat. For Lord Whent had ben openly disloyal and committed acts improper for a lord. Time upon time Lord Whent had thrown rotten food, human feces and other nasty stuff over his walls and into the camp of Lord Tully.
However, this supply was increasingly running short. With the bannermen of House Whent even refusing to respond to his call of arms, a force of not more then 700 fine riverlander men was sufficient. While the Siege of Harrenhal is long from over, a noticable decrease in the stuff thrown from the enemy walls can be seen. As well, with the eternal boredom of waiting, the Tully soldiers, and even Lord Tully himself, start gathering all kinds of materials to use with a self made catapult. These start to get quite creative, with the most renowed creation apparently being a ball made out of human feces, dirt, and leaves.
For the timing of such a dirty attack is excellent. Food stores for Harrenhal are quickly running out (The wasting of food on psychological warfare is taking its toll) and the defenders resort to eat pretty much anything remotably eadible. Soon, disease breaks out.
((Defenses of Harrenhal weakened by about 25 % from death by various illnesses, waiting to starve them out))
Built by the Ironborn nearly three centuries ago, it was once the mightiest castle in all of Westeros. But castles are not dragonproof and Harren the Black died in the castle with the rest of his family.
As the year was passing on, Lord Tully had taken up residence. Not in his home of Riverrun, but in a warcamp. It was outside the ancient and cursed castle of Harrenhal he sat. For Lord Whent had ben openly disloyal and committed acts improper for a lord. Time upon time Lord Whent had thrown rotten food, human feces and other nasty stuff over his walls and into the camp of Lord Tully.
However, this supply was increasingly running short. With the bannermen of House Whent even refusing to respond to his call of arms, a force of not more then 700 fine riverlander men was sufficient. While the Siege of Harrenhal is long from over, a noticable decrease in the stuff thrown from the enemy walls can be seen. As well, with the eternal boredom of waiting, the Tully soldiers, and even Lord Tully himself, start gathering all kinds of materials to use with a self made catapult. These start to get quite creative, with the most renowed creation apparently being a ball made out of human feces, dirt, and leaves.
For the timing of such a dirty attack is excellent. Food stores for Harrenhal are quickly running out (The wasting of food on psychological warfare is taking its toll) and the defenders resort to eat pretty much anything remotably eadible. Soon, disease breaks out.
((Defenses of Harrenhal weakened by about 25 % from death by various illnesses, waiting to starve them out))
Lord Hightower,
A brilliant idea! You are of course invited to partake personally in this little feast of ours.
Lord Tully
Lords of the Riverlands,
After fine correspondence with the wise Lord Hightower, we have organised an event. In these troubled times, we all need to take our mind of the many quarrels in the Kingdoms. In the capital, Lord Commanders come and go. Here outside of Harrenhal, the Whents are about to go. But the upcoming feast outside of Harrenhal will only come once, especially under these unique circumstances. You are all invited to come and join with a smaller party of a hundred men, and perhaps discuss the fate of Harrenhal once Lord Whent inevitably succumbs.
Lord Tully
A brilliant idea! You are of course invited to partake personally in this little feast of ours.
Lord Tully
Lords of the Riverlands,
After fine correspondence with the wise Lord Hightower, we have organised an event. In these troubled times, we all need to take our mind of the many quarrels in the Kingdoms. In the capital, Lord Commanders come and go. Here outside of Harrenhal, the Whents are about to go. But the upcoming feast outside of Harrenhal will only come once, especially under these unique circumstances. You are all invited to come and join with a smaller party of a hundred men, and perhaps discuss the fate of Harrenhal once Lord Whent inevitably succumbs.
Lord Tully
GM Note : After Jako decides the fate of Sarwyck and Cole, I will be cutting it short and producing a mini on following events.
"Toyne, Butterwell, Shawney.." Cole spoke quietly, reciting the worlds slowly. Sarwyck picked up the call. "Strickland, Costayne, Lothston." They both continued "Mandrake, Peake, Strong, Bryne. Connington." They finished, "These and countless other houses have been destroyed under That Bastard." Cole reached for his blade but found he had none, like his Commander it was merely a metaphor for giving up your past life, which some could not understand and thought it was a real sword when in fact it was not. "Think of this when you lords cower in your halls, when you let the raven rape your lands. He has contempt for his house, for the King, for himself. He's a bastard and has had no love in this world, so he dooms us all with him." Cole was taken away as Sarwyck struggled with the guards, "You have no religion Sorcerer, you don't believe in the faith, you have no respect for your office and when you die, I will spit on your grave from the heavens. Only a craven refuses combat, and only you are such that a worm would pity you." The Knights were taken away and a long silence followed, The Kingsguard serve for life.
The Death of a Lord Commander
It was on an especially cold morning in early 234 AC that Lord Connington would be executed. While no longer a lord or the commander of the Kingsguard, he was still a nobleborn from house Connington, and thus treated with some respect.
As Lord Connington was brought up, having been stripped of anything but his armor, and dressed in the simplest of prisoner robes,Queen mother Daenora, accompanied by
the three members of the Kingsguard that were not found guilty of any crimes entered from another side.
Then, Lord Bloodraven himself appeared on the stage. He started speaking with a clear voice :
''It is with a great sadness we are gathered here today. Not one moon ago this man attacked myself, Bryden Rivers, Hand of His Majesty Maegor , The second of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. For this crime, a sentence has been agreed to, but the most severe. I, as the regent of the King, sentence you to die.''
'' Does Lord Connington have any last words before he will face judgement in the Seven Hells ?''
''I die for being loyal to my King. The Sorcerer and Kinslayer known as Bloodraven had to be eliminated. I face my impending death with a clean heart and mind. May the Gods forever curse those that ended my life for such unjust reasons.''
And so he shall.
The executioner placed Lord connington in the right position, then with a swift blow tried to do the job. However, he failed, and tried again. It took no less then three slashes with the sword to behead Lord Connington, who was screaming in agony all the while.
It was the same day the remains of Lord Connington were sent back to Griffin's roost, sans the head. A pike was mounted outside the Red Keep, adorned with Lord Connington's head.
(( Lord Connington is dead. ))
It was on an especially cold morning in early 234 AC that Lord Connington would be executed. While no longer a lord or the commander of the Kingsguard, he was still a nobleborn from house Connington, and thus treated with some respect.
As Lord Connington was brought up, having been stripped of anything but his armor, and dressed in the simplest of prisoner robes,Queen mother Daenora, accompanied by
the three members of the Kingsguard that were not found guilty of any crimes entered from another side.
Then, Lord Bloodraven himself appeared on the stage. He started speaking with a clear voice :
''It is with a great sadness we are gathered here today. Not one moon ago this man attacked myself, Bryden Rivers, Hand of His Majesty Maegor , The second of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. For this crime, a sentence has been agreed to, but the most severe. I, as the regent of the King, sentence you to die.''
'' Does Lord Connington have any last words before he will face judgement in the Seven Hells ?''
''I die for being loyal to my King. The Sorcerer and Kinslayer known as Bloodraven had to be eliminated. I face my impending death with a clean heart and mind. May the Gods forever curse those that ended my life for such unjust reasons.''
And so he shall.
The executioner placed Lord connington in the right position, then with a swift blow tried to do the job. However, he failed, and tried again. It took no less then three slashes with the sword to behead Lord Connington, who was screaming in agony all the while.
It was the same day the remains of Lord Connington were sent back to Griffin's roost, sans the head. A pike was mounted outside the Red Keep, adorned with Lord Connington's head.
(( Lord Connington is dead. ))
((I will remind all of you that orders are due Friday. check the IRC for details.))
During the execution of the former Lord Commander, Victor was seen in the courtyard practicing with his blade. He hoped the King would grow up soon and into a fine ruler, so that he could return to Highgarden to b with his wife and daughter.
Wendell winced as the king's justice struggled to detach the Pale Griffin's head from his neck. The execution was completely botched, though the crowd did not seem to mind.
In the past day, Wendell was fortunately cleared of any wrongdoing and discovered the falsehood behind Connington's accusations. Bloodraven may be unfit to be the Regent and he may even be evil, but the Lord Commander had exceeded his duties by playing the game of thrones. He would go down in infamy with the worst of the kingsguard, such as the Kingmaker and the unfortunate Terrence Toyne.
The Pale Griffin had disgraced the institution of the Kingsguard. Ser Wendell vowed that he would restore its honor.
In the past day, Wendell was fortunately cleared of any wrongdoing and discovered the falsehood behind Connington's accusations. Bloodraven may be unfit to be the Regent and he may even be evil, but the Lord Commander had exceeded his duties by playing the game of thrones. He would go down in infamy with the worst of the kingsguard, such as the Kingmaker and the unfortunate Terrence Toyne.
The Pale Griffin had disgraced the institution of the Kingsguard. Ser Wendell vowed that he would restore its honor.
To the most Gracious Lord Tully of Riverrun
I shall accept your invitation and quickly make my way to the Riverlands, it shall be a glorious feast! And just to inform you, I am also bringing with me some of the best products the Reach has to offer to make this feast even grander!
Signed,
Lord Quenton Hightower
Lord of the Hightower
Lord of the Port
Voice of Oldtown
Defender of the Citadel
Beacon of the South
I shall accept your invitation and quickly make my way to the Riverlands, it shall be a glorious feast! And just to inform you, I am also bringing with me some of the best products the Reach has to offer to make this feast even grander!
Signed,
Lord Quenton Hightower
Lord of the Hightower
Lord of the Port
Voice of Oldtown
Defender of the Citadel
Beacon of the South
The Golden Lion and the Pale Dragon
It had been a very eventful day, Alyn Connington had become a head shorter this morning when the King’s Justice took off his head for his acts against the Crown. There were always some rumours that it had been an unjust act to do as such against him, but then again, people would always complain. The king had spent most of the day playing, while the nobles had been busy with the events that had unfolded.
Now however came the dinner that had been arranged between Gerold, the Queen Mother, Bloodraven and the king. It wasn’t anything special that had been prepared, but naturally there was plenty of food, a roasted pig coated in honey in the middle as they waited for Bloodraven to arrive, all of them sitting at the table including Gerold’s youngest son, Jason.
A rapping comes at the wooden door, and a muffled voice is heard before the door swings open, revealing a gaunt albino, his pale face revealing nothing. The Lord Regent and Hand of the King was dressed in a black tunic, the traditional pin of the Hand on his left breast, and Bloodraven’s personal sigil of a white, single headed dragon on his right. Bowing to the King, which caused him to break into a smile, Brynden clasped his pale hands in front of him. “Lord Gerold, Lady Daenora, Lord Jason, I am delighted to be here, in light of the horrible proceedings that have struck His Majesty’s court.”
“Ah yes.” Gerold said as he nodded to Brynden. “It has certainly been an eventful day, and week with all that has happened. I admit I did not expect the previous Lord Commander to act so quickly, or so bold in front of the court.” Gerold said as he sipped at his wine. Gerold wore a simple red tunic and dark pants as he sat at the table, not having dressed to impress.
“Brynden.” The Queen Mother said. “I’m happy that you could join us.” She said offering a polite, if perhaps slightly fake smile. The Queen Mother unlike Gerold however dressed well, wearing a beautifully woven dress, if perhaps a bit light for the winter and wearing a golden necklace in private.
Taking the open seat at the end of the table to the left of Gerold, Brynden eyed the food on the table hungrily, before giving a curt smile to Gerold. “None of us saw the Lord Commander’s actions coming so quickly, least of all me. While it is regrettable that he lost his life, I suppose the Crown is much safer than before. But, enough of politics, Seven know I have experienced much of that as of late. I have heard much about your son, Tion. He is being hailed as a reincarnation of the Lion King.”
“True, he performed quite well in the tournament at Storms End, at such a young age no less.” Gerold let out a small chuckle. “I am proud of what he has achieved, not only as a fighter but also as ruler in my stead. Not to mention the joy I take in seeing him panic about the prospect.” Gerold took some of the pork and began eating. “But nowadays everyone has a reputation, you have a thousand eyes from what is said.”
Letting out a rare laugh, Brynden smiled. “I was born and raised in this keep, and when a man spends as many years as I have learning all of it’s secrets, it is quite easy to see with a thousand eyes.” Filling his glass with wine, and helping himself to the food on the table, Brynden resumed speaking. “Of all the rumors that roam the Holdfast, I assure you that only that one is true.”
“Good to know.” Gerold responded.
“Brynden.” The Queen Mother spoke up. “How have you fared since that night?” she asked, eating small bites and cutting the pork for her son while helping him to eat.
Taking a sip of wine, Brynden grimaced. “Not well, to be completely honest with you. Shiera has been in Lys visiting her family, and I have only myself to talk to in the Tower. I am still shocked at the speed and brutality of Alyn’s coup, and it has kept me up.” Cutting the pork into small pieces, Brynden’s lips curl in the hint of a smile. “I suppose I have my father to thank for my survival of that ordeal, he always ensured that I had the best teachers for swordfighting.”
“Perhaps the one redeeming feature he had.” Gerold said. “His offspring became great, he sadly did not.” Aegon IV had been worth less than the cost of the clothes which he wore.
Daenora chuckled slightly. “At least I am thankful that I still have one of the Great Bastards of Aegon IV to look over my son.” She said looking at him with a smile. “Had the coup turned out differently.” She sighed, a concerned look upon her face. “I fear what would have followed to both me and my son.”
Brynden paused, as it to collect his thoughts before speaking. “For all of his brutality and hate, Alyn Connington was dedicated to the Crown. He wanted Maegor to turn out like Maekar, cold, efficient, and detached from the world. I fear for how that could end, for it would only take a traumatic event to turn the King into a spitting image of his namesake.”
“It will take more than one.” Gerold responded as he looked at Bloodraven. “Traumatic events will always unfold, it is a part of life and something that Maegor will need to learn how to handle. We cannot wrap him up like glass who we fear might break.” Gerold drank some more wine, taking a bit more pork as he continued eating, chewing off his food before he once again spoke. “He will just need the right people to be there when he needs help, and to prepare him.”
Brynden nodded in agreement. “Aye, I agree. But I believe that our young King will grow to be one of the best the realm has ever seen.” He looked at Maegor who was studying a piece of pork very seriously. “He may not look it now, but he will have the best minds in the realm helping him along, grooming him for leadership.”
Gerold leaned back in his chair. “Ah, so now we are at the reason of your visit I assume, took you long enough.”
Brynden’s pale lips curl into a smile. Gerold was always the more perceptive of the Lords Paramount. “It seems we are. It is no secret that you are one of the most powerful Lords in Westeros, and I feel that we would benefit from something of a pact, one where we work together for the good of our King, and of Westeros.”
Gerold looked at Maegor, giving the child a quick smile before turning his attention back to Brynden. “I believe you are right, the king needs a proper education and proper tutors to guide him. Who else would be among those selected?”
“Well, Lord Ormund Baratheon has shown his skill with law, he would surly serve as an excellent tutor for the young King.” Brynden takes of sip of wine, and nibbles at his pork before setting it down. “As for intrigue and courtly politics, you would do a fine job at that. Possibly Ser Duncan, or any other accomplished knight could teach the young King the ways of the sword. The Grand Maester would teach Maegor about the vast history of Westeros, as well as teaching him Valyrian, the language of his forefathers and of the Free Cities. Lord Reyne could show His Majesty the fineries of coin, whilst I take on any subject left untouched.”
Gerold nodded. “A competent number of tutors, it is good for Maegor to know them beforehand. They are also of younger age, so it is good that they are unlikely to leave their positions.” He sighed. “What of the replacements for the kingsguard?”
“Ser Duncan would make a good fit, and he would carry Aegon’s support as well.” Brynden paused to take a sip of wine. “As for the other two spots, I propose we open it to the realm. Let the best knights of the realm vye for it in a tournament, possibly a melee, and of those we let two greatest knights into the Kingsguard.”
“Very well then, let us see who can fill the shoes.” He said as they continued eating, the formalities had been dealt with, so had the politics and the rest of the meal proved very uneventful. For once it seemed that things were actually decided and prepared in Kings Landing. Eventually Bloodraven left, as Gerold and the Queen Mother sat and discussed what had happened before she took him into her bed once more, this time remembering the moon tea.
234 AC January- June
Heavily battered and partially unreadable, this may be the last copy of the famous book by Septon Barth.
The Crownlands
The Hand of the King announces a melee be held, and all knights and warriors are invited, with the best two would recieve the position of Kingsguard, if they so choose. This is met with great sympathy, and the melee of King's landing is to be held in the later half of 234 AL. Many second sons of both major and minor houses have already sent ravens to King's landing, and this is to be the finest gathering of warriors of the decade...
Dragons. Once the power of his father's house. Now extinct for exactly 81 years, when King Aegon III's last dragon, a creature not greater then the size of a cat died not a year after being hatched. Thus ended the age of dragons and King Aegon was mocked as the Dragonbane. Some say he had a hand in the matter, for his mother Rhaenyra had been eaten by a dragon. That day, the magic powers in the world still present died or lost a great a amount of their power. Firemages found themselves unable to make fire, or if at all, a greatly reduced shape of their former power. It was thus the world was forever transformed.
Lord Brynden Rivers however, saw to reverse this change. In preparation for future exploits and experimentations with all things considered magical and dragonlike, he spent not a small amount to track down any books related to dragons, their habits, and so on. His greatest find was a complete copy of Septon Barth's Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History , perhaps the last still in existance. For Blessed Baelor had ordered such books destroyed. He even inquired the price of a fossilised dragon egg (No less then 10,000 golden dragons) from Essos, but held off from acquiring such an item as of right now.
((Melee of King's landing coming up, -1,000 Gold invested, A lot of knowledge on dragons gathered. I will however, for the interest of the player base and the game as a whole, not allow dragons hatching until the end of the game.))
House Darklyn spends the remaining time of the winter sobbing their dead father. Little is then heard from them.
((@BlackBishop kicked for inactivity. Sorry.))
An experienced Velaryon captain braving the seas near the Stormlands
Lord Velaryon is seen little on land this period, perhaps to escape the cold, but is then spotted on the high seas by trading ships, as he exercises with his fleet. At the end of these exercises, his warships and men, before this mostly just trained levies, become more experienced and should fare well in naval combat against conventional enemies such as pirates, Essosi ships and westerosi ships.
The levy on tolls implemented not a year ago is lifted, for reasons known only by Lord Velaryon, and soon Driftmark sees even more trade as those that had chosen different harbours would now again sail to Driftmark.
((Ships ready for naval warfare at any moment, +50 gold dragons income))
The Westerlands
A handsome young lord, reportedly many young women wept when it was announced he was to be married to Ellyn Reyne..
Tion Lannister comes of age in this period, and this is wildly celebrated with a local tournament in the Westerlands and a feast to remember. The young lord, with no surprise, easily outclasses his opponents and wins the tournament. The Westerlander lords increasingly see him as a worthy leader during said tournament. However, not is all well as Tion takes a lance to the arm and will need time to recover from said wounds.
This sets a trend, as during his illness Lady Ellyn increasingly acts in her husbands name , and organizes many feasts, balls and masquerades at the Lannister treasury cost.
Efforts to purge corruption in Lannisport are futile, and the money spent there can be considered a waste.
((Prestigious tourney held to celebrate coming of age, Tion Lannister hurt to the arm. -500 Gold. -500 Gold Income a turn due to hefty feasting. -200 Gold on failed corruption purging))
Roger Reyne spends yet more money on buying Kingslander property, and it is now often joked that Kings Landing is now actually Reyne Landing. He however does make a lot of bad investments along the way, and looses a considerabe amount of money for relatively minor gains.
He returns to the Westerlands for a little while to arrange a marriage between himself and one Elisa Rowan, daughter of Lord Garth Rowan. This marriage is easily arranged, for House Reyne is seen as influential in Westerlander politics as well as in Kings Landing.
((Marriage IC task for you, -2,000 Gold for +125 Gold income))
The Westerlings are quite content in sitting in their castle, and do nothing but focusing on learning young Randar how to sail a ship. Young Randar, increasingly bored with endless sword exercises and practise fights, happily takes those new classes and soon becomes more accustomed to sea then land. To encourage this further, Lord Darron has a small ship constructed for Randar, and he is often seen at sea in his free time.
((Randar is on his way to become a master sailor, loathes sword practise. -50 Gold))
The Stormlands
Lord Baratheon spends this season in the bedroom. However, Lord Baratheon comes out of this season far from unhealthy, a pregnant wife and a smile on his face there are. A similar result is seen in a bedchamber where his brother and his wife do similar activities, however, that couple is saddened with the loss of the child halfway through the pregnancy from a miscarriage. During this period of reproduction and copulation he does however manage to find the time to get his youngest brother married, to one Melissa Yronwood, from Dorne. The wedding is to be held later that year.
((Lady Baratheon pregnant, brother's wife not so much. Bethrothal between Harbert Baratheon and Melissa Yronwood. Melissa is known as a Dornish beauty..))
Lord Connington mourned his family member in private, and for the rest did little in the period.
((No orders sent.))
The Reach
Lord Denys Tyrell undertakes a massive and prestigious effort to see the possibility of a Mander- Blackwater canal. This is a huge investment, and even this costs a thousand golden dragons alone.
His mistress spits out yet another bastard, who is named Garth. Relations with his wife reach a new low.
((-2,000 Gold, canal researched, it is impossible and a folly.))
The efforts to organize a guild meeting in Oldtown are twartled, for the war currently brewing between the free cities occupies the guilds there too much for them to possibly waste time in Oldtown.
Lord Hightower attends to the feast at Harrenhal, and brings with him much food. This alone makes the defenders of the castle rebellious, and many begin now to consider of Lord Whent is sane at all...
Due to all of this, and frustrations, Lord Hightower is too angry and tired to sire another child.
((Nothing done, -100 Gold on preparations, -200 Gold on food and such, made the defenders of Harrenhal rebellious.))
House Redwyne makes an extrordinary pact with the Dornish. Former enemies work together and they bind themselves by blood as Petry Redwyne is bethrothed to Saryssa Martell. Together, they dominate the wine market and the wine price can be seen climbing drastically.
A small holdfast that quickly becomes known as the Winecup (For the abundance of wine and the often visits of drunk Lord Redwyne is build and granted to his younger brother Humfrey. He enjoys his new status as a small bannerman of his brother, and quickly gets to work with increasing the productivity of the land.
((+200 income to the both of you due to wine market near monopoly abuse.-750 Gold for wedding))
House Florent arranges a marriage between Addam Florent and Barbara Tarly. This wedding will be held later this year. Relations between the houses are sure to increase...
((-1,250 for a wedding and tournament))
Heavily battered and partially unreadable, this may be the last copy of the famous book by Septon Barth.
The Crownlands
The Hand of the King announces a melee be held, and all knights and warriors are invited, with the best two would recieve the position of Kingsguard, if they so choose. This is met with great sympathy, and the melee of King's landing is to be held in the later half of 234 AL. Many second sons of both major and minor houses have already sent ravens to King's landing, and this is to be the finest gathering of warriors of the decade...
Dragons. Once the power of his father's house. Now extinct for exactly 81 years, when King Aegon III's last dragon, a creature not greater then the size of a cat died not a year after being hatched. Thus ended the age of dragons and King Aegon was mocked as the Dragonbane. Some say he had a hand in the matter, for his mother Rhaenyra had been eaten by a dragon. That day, the magic powers in the world still present died or lost a great a amount of their power. Firemages found themselves unable to make fire, or if at all, a greatly reduced shape of their former power. It was thus the world was forever transformed.
Lord Brynden Rivers however, saw to reverse this change. In preparation for future exploits and experimentations with all things considered magical and dragonlike, he spent not a small amount to track down any books related to dragons, their habits, and so on. His greatest find was a complete copy of Septon Barth's Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History , perhaps the last still in existance. For Blessed Baelor had ordered such books destroyed. He even inquired the price of a fossilised dragon egg (No less then 10,000 golden dragons) from Essos, but held off from acquiring such an item as of right now.
((Melee of King's landing coming up, -1,000 Gold invested, A lot of knowledge on dragons gathered. I will however, for the interest of the player base and the game as a whole, not allow dragons hatching until the end of the game.))
House Darklyn spends the remaining time of the winter sobbing their dead father. Little is then heard from them.
((@BlackBishop kicked for inactivity. Sorry.))
An experienced Velaryon captain braving the seas near the Stormlands
Lord Velaryon is seen little on land this period, perhaps to escape the cold, but is then spotted on the high seas by trading ships, as he exercises with his fleet. At the end of these exercises, his warships and men, before this mostly just trained levies, become more experienced and should fare well in naval combat against conventional enemies such as pirates, Essosi ships and westerosi ships.
The levy on tolls implemented not a year ago is lifted, for reasons known only by Lord Velaryon, and soon Driftmark sees even more trade as those that had chosen different harbours would now again sail to Driftmark.
((Ships ready for naval warfare at any moment, +50 gold dragons income))
The Westerlands
A handsome young lord, reportedly many young women wept when it was announced he was to be married to Ellyn Reyne..
Tion Lannister comes of age in this period, and this is wildly celebrated with a local tournament in the Westerlands and a feast to remember. The young lord, with no surprise, easily outclasses his opponents and wins the tournament. The Westerlander lords increasingly see him as a worthy leader during said tournament. However, not is all well as Tion takes a lance to the arm and will need time to recover from said wounds.
This sets a trend, as during his illness Lady Ellyn increasingly acts in her husbands name , and organizes many feasts, balls and masquerades at the Lannister treasury cost.
Efforts to purge corruption in Lannisport are futile, and the money spent there can be considered a waste.
((Prestigious tourney held to celebrate coming of age, Tion Lannister hurt to the arm. -500 Gold. -500 Gold Income a turn due to hefty feasting. -200 Gold on failed corruption purging))
Roger Reyne spends yet more money on buying Kingslander property, and it is now often joked that Kings Landing is now actually Reyne Landing. He however does make a lot of bad investments along the way, and looses a considerabe amount of money for relatively minor gains.
He returns to the Westerlands for a little while to arrange a marriage between himself and one Elisa Rowan, daughter of Lord Garth Rowan. This marriage is easily arranged, for House Reyne is seen as influential in Westerlander politics as well as in Kings Landing.
((Marriage IC task for you, -2,000 Gold for +125 Gold income))
The Westerlings are quite content in sitting in their castle, and do nothing but focusing on learning young Randar how to sail a ship. Young Randar, increasingly bored with endless sword exercises and practise fights, happily takes those new classes and soon becomes more accustomed to sea then land. To encourage this further, Lord Darron has a small ship constructed for Randar, and he is often seen at sea in his free time.
((Randar is on his way to become a master sailor, loathes sword practise. -50 Gold))
The Stormlands
Lord Baratheon spends this season in the bedroom. However, Lord Baratheon comes out of this season far from unhealthy, a pregnant wife and a smile on his face there are. A similar result is seen in a bedchamber where his brother and his wife do similar activities, however, that couple is saddened with the loss of the child halfway through the pregnancy from a miscarriage. During this period of reproduction and copulation he does however manage to find the time to get his youngest brother married, to one Melissa Yronwood, from Dorne. The wedding is to be held later that year.
((Lady Baratheon pregnant, brother's wife not so much. Bethrothal between Harbert Baratheon and Melissa Yronwood. Melissa is known as a Dornish beauty..))
Lord Connington mourned his family member in private, and for the rest did little in the period.
((No orders sent.))
The Reach
Lord Denys Tyrell undertakes a massive and prestigious effort to see the possibility of a Mander- Blackwater canal. This is a huge investment, and even this costs a thousand golden dragons alone.
His mistress spits out yet another bastard, who is named Garth. Relations with his wife reach a new low.
((-2,000 Gold, canal researched, it is impossible and a folly.))
The efforts to organize a guild meeting in Oldtown are twartled, for the war currently brewing between the free cities occupies the guilds there too much for them to possibly waste time in Oldtown.
Lord Hightower attends to the feast at Harrenhal, and brings with him much food. This alone makes the defenders of the castle rebellious, and many begin now to consider of Lord Whent is sane at all...
Due to all of this, and frustrations, Lord Hightower is too angry and tired to sire another child.
((Nothing done, -100 Gold on preparations, -200 Gold on food and such, made the defenders of Harrenhal rebellious.))
House Redwyne makes an extrordinary pact with the Dornish. Former enemies work together and they bind themselves by blood as Petry Redwyne is bethrothed to Saryssa Martell. Together, they dominate the wine market and the wine price can be seen climbing drastically.
A small holdfast that quickly becomes known as the Winecup (For the abundance of wine and the often visits of drunk Lord Redwyne is build and granted to his younger brother Humfrey. He enjoys his new status as a small bannerman of his brother, and quickly gets to work with increasing the productivity of the land.
((+200 income to the both of you due to wine market near monopoly abuse.-750 Gold for wedding))
House Florent arranges a marriage between Addam Florent and Barbara Tarly. This wedding will be held later this year. Relations between the houses are sure to increase...
((-1,250 for a wedding and tournament))
Dorne
With the betrothal between house Redwyne and House Martell arranged, many feeling that house Redwyne being taken for fools betrothing the heir to some niece, then Lady Martell sets to work hiring many blacksmiths and artisans. Many blacksmiths are invited, and most who arrive are from the lords who lack proper money to pay them and as such they seek new adventures. While this does prove fruitful, with house Martell gaining much new equipment if a war should arrive, then many blacksmiths leave without work as the Martell army lacks in size and as such do not need a big number of workers to supply it. In the end this proves to take a heavy toll on the Martell treasury, but they are able to gain much armor and weapons, though they still lack much investment if they truly wish for all their soldiers to be equipped in the finest arms and armor. At the end however, many blacksmihts leave, finding their large numbers to be burdensome for orders and as such the Martells would have trouble should another such order be needed.
(-700 gold, 2000 spearmen well equipped with new armor and weapons)
Riverlands
Lady Tully spends her time in her chamber, watching over her newborn son whom the mother guards. While there she spends the time reading while her husband is away, looking into learning High Valyrian. She spends many evenings, even inviting Maesters to come tutor her, some even speak of Aemon Targaryen, the uncle of the king being written to, but alas he does not respond. She buries her nose into scrolls and books as she busies herself late into the night, sometimes waking up in the morning by little Hoster, cursing her headache later in the day. However it does end up bearing some fruit, though the progress is very limited, as such she can now speak a few words of Valyrian with the help of a Maester, but much of the knowledge is still very far away from her reach, and would take years to learn.
In a different place her husband, Lord Tully, sits at the end of a feasting table, together with many of his vassals and to some’s surprise the Lord Hightower, making many wonder what he is doing there, both the RIverlords and the other lords of the realm. The feasting goes on as planned, with the Tully soldiers protecting the Riverlords from any possible danger. An incident did however happen when a farmer got too close, carrying and axe he used to chop wood which the soldiers mistook and rode him down, much to their dismay when they discovered the truth. A few weeks into the feast Lord Tully finally received word from Lord Whent, who wished to speak and as such stood at the ramparts, when lord Tully arrived, Whent pissed out over the ramparts and down in front of his Lord, much to Tully’s anger. Many lords who were reluctant before now believed it was time that Lord Whent was put to an end, and his son to assume the reigns of rulership.
Not much else happened, that was until a week later when a younger man carrying the banner of house Whent approached the camp at night, this young man was the third son of Lord Whent. He spoke with Tully and gave him an offer, in a week’s time, the young lord would be in command of the southern wall, he would call off the guards and allow Tully men inside to end the siege, he with his family would swear to lord Tully once more, in return he would become Lord of Harenhall, after the unfortunate death of his two older brothers during the capture of the castle.
(-50 gold, lord Tully given a choice, lady Tully learns very little high Valyrian)
The Vale of Arryn
Lord Arryn attempts to improve his coal mines, hoping that it would allow his family to gain greater wealth through trading it off with other realms, not a bad idea which his advisers applaud him for. Despite this then it doesn’t work out well for Arryn, to put it lightly it turns into a catastrophe. As they attempt to dig deeper, using newly constructed shafts to reach lower levels of the mine then during one day they strike into the earth and it works like a domino effect. Even in the lords chamber the events unfolding below them could be heard, their mines began collapsing left and right and before long they had been sealed by debris, the workers inside either dead, dying from their wounds or would be dead from starvation within the coming week. As such many of the only properly skilled workers in the Vale are killed, and the mines are shut off, ensuring a potential costly reconstruction if they are to be opened, and a vital loss of income for house Arryn.
His son, Jon Arryn, fares much better at his journey to the Moon Gate, while he finds it understaffed, several guards dying recently in fights against the Mountain Clans then he is able to befriend some of the officers who he eats and drinks with. While many still views him as a young lord, not yet tested or proven such as the likes of Tion Lannister or Ormund Baratheon, then part of his charisma is still able to help win them over, together with the funds which he brings along. Jon is able to reinforce parts of the Moon Gate, bringing some scorpions and spitfire, while he isn’t able to fully bring as many as he wished due to a lack of funds, then the his journey is still a success.
(-600 gold, -150 income and -300 population to house Arryn)
Iron Islands
The Greyjoys in an attempt to secure their island in light of the attempt theft the year before, sends out patrols to ensure that trade flows freely, however little they may have, as well as ensuring that no merchants are harassed. The Greyjoys enjoy early success, gaining a nice bag of coin but success has a downside as pirates leave the water preferring safer targets elsewhere and as such the Greyjoys now lack prey. Many merchants are however happy for this and as such the entire region sees a boost in trade, even if only slightly, but it is enough for Pyke, Lannisport and even the Arbor to gain a small increase in trade. As such it has helped the Greyjoys become a name that isn’t spoke with as much spite, after their attempts to readjust their lifestyle, even if some of the sailors and warriors are looking towards the old ways again, putting pressure on their captains.
Lord Greyjoy does come up with a decent plan to solve this, they will explore the great uncharted seas and as such they set sail, many of these sailors being some of the discontented ones, hoping to rave and reave new lands. Some would call this a political success for Greyjoy, even if not an official success, as weeks turned into months without words. Eventually some ships returned to Pyke, to tell of their great discoveries, or that was at least the hope. What they told of was a horrible storm, followed by supply shortages, many had died of a lack of food, dysentery setting in and so forth, several ships had been lost in a storm and in the end the Greyjoy’s learned nothing more of the uncharted oceans other than they are vast and there is plenty of water in them.
(-8 ships, bonus trade to Pyke, Lannisport and the Arbor of varying degrees.)
The North
(-700 gold, 2000 spearmen well equipped with new armor and weapons)
Riverlands
Lady Tully spends her time in her chamber, watching over her newborn son whom the mother guards. While there she spends the time reading while her husband is away, looking into learning High Valyrian. She spends many evenings, even inviting Maesters to come tutor her, some even speak of Aemon Targaryen, the uncle of the king being written to, but alas he does not respond. She buries her nose into scrolls and books as she busies herself late into the night, sometimes waking up in the morning by little Hoster, cursing her headache later in the day. However it does end up bearing some fruit, though the progress is very limited, as such she can now speak a few words of Valyrian with the help of a Maester, but much of the knowledge is still very far away from her reach, and would take years to learn.
In a different place her husband, Lord Tully, sits at the end of a feasting table, together with many of his vassals and to some’s surprise the Lord Hightower, making many wonder what he is doing there, both the RIverlords and the other lords of the realm. The feasting goes on as planned, with the Tully soldiers protecting the Riverlords from any possible danger. An incident did however happen when a farmer got too close, carrying and axe he used to chop wood which the soldiers mistook and rode him down, much to their dismay when they discovered the truth. A few weeks into the feast Lord Tully finally received word from Lord Whent, who wished to speak and as such stood at the ramparts, when lord Tully arrived, Whent pissed out over the ramparts and down in front of his Lord, much to Tully’s anger. Many lords who were reluctant before now believed it was time that Lord Whent was put to an end, and his son to assume the reigns of rulership.
Not much else happened, that was until a week later when a younger man carrying the banner of house Whent approached the camp at night, this young man was the third son of Lord Whent. He spoke with Tully and gave him an offer, in a week’s time, the young lord would be in command of the southern wall, he would call off the guards and allow Tully men inside to end the siege, he with his family would swear to lord Tully once more, in return he would become Lord of Harenhall, after the unfortunate death of his two older brothers during the capture of the castle.
(-50 gold, lord Tully given a choice, lady Tully learns very little high Valyrian)
The Vale of Arryn
Lord Arryn attempts to improve his coal mines, hoping that it would allow his family to gain greater wealth through trading it off with other realms, not a bad idea which his advisers applaud him for. Despite this then it doesn’t work out well for Arryn, to put it lightly it turns into a catastrophe. As they attempt to dig deeper, using newly constructed shafts to reach lower levels of the mine then during one day they strike into the earth and it works like a domino effect. Even in the lords chamber the events unfolding below them could be heard, their mines began collapsing left and right and before long they had been sealed by debris, the workers inside either dead, dying from their wounds or would be dead from starvation within the coming week. As such many of the only properly skilled workers in the Vale are killed, and the mines are shut off, ensuring a potential costly reconstruction if they are to be opened, and a vital loss of income for house Arryn.
His son, Jon Arryn, fares much better at his journey to the Moon Gate, while he finds it understaffed, several guards dying recently in fights against the Mountain Clans then he is able to befriend some of the officers who he eats and drinks with. While many still views him as a young lord, not yet tested or proven such as the likes of Tion Lannister or Ormund Baratheon, then part of his charisma is still able to help win them over, together with the funds which he brings along. Jon is able to reinforce parts of the Moon Gate, bringing some scorpions and spitfire, while he isn’t able to fully bring as many as he wished due to a lack of funds, then the his journey is still a success.
(-600 gold, -150 income and -300 population to house Arryn)
Iron Islands
The Greyjoys in an attempt to secure their island in light of the attempt theft the year before, sends out patrols to ensure that trade flows freely, however little they may have, as well as ensuring that no merchants are harassed. The Greyjoys enjoy early success, gaining a nice bag of coin but success has a downside as pirates leave the water preferring safer targets elsewhere and as such the Greyjoys now lack prey. Many merchants are however happy for this and as such the entire region sees a boost in trade, even if only slightly, but it is enough for Pyke, Lannisport and even the Arbor to gain a small increase in trade. As such it has helped the Greyjoys become a name that isn’t spoke with as much spite, after their attempts to readjust their lifestyle, even if some of the sailors and warriors are looking towards the old ways again, putting pressure on their captains.
Lord Greyjoy does come up with a decent plan to solve this, they will explore the great uncharted seas and as such they set sail, many of these sailors being some of the discontented ones, hoping to rave and reave new lands. Some would call this a political success for Greyjoy, even if not an official success, as weeks turned into months without words. Eventually some ships returned to Pyke, to tell of their great discoveries, or that was at least the hope. What they told of was a horrible storm, followed by supply shortages, many had died of a lack of food, dysentery setting in and so forth, several ships had been lost in a storm and in the end the Greyjoy’s learned nothing more of the uncharted oceans other than they are vast and there is plenty of water in them.
(-8 ships, bonus trade to Pyke, Lannisport and the Arbor of varying degrees.)
The North
Despite rumors of spring being spoken in the corners, then Lord Stark would prefer another ten years of winter instead of what actually unfolded before his eyes in these months. He as the last half of the year, spend his time in his library, reading books about war and hoping to improve himself, while he learned tricks and tactics, and certainly what to be aware of doing a battle, then most of what he finds is simply inspiration for coming battles to base his tactics around, something most lords would already know.
What however unfolded in his library at night would go down as a black mark on his reign. From within his study, a plan came together from which he would rule the north from the shadows, sending out spies in forms of workers and servants to the many lords of the North, who are famed for their loyalty. It did however quickly come crashing down when a servant was caught the Dreadfort, no one knew what he said, only that screams were heard during the night and the servants spend the following days cleaning up the blood. But by now the secret was out. Lord Bolton sent ravens out to many of the northern lords who the spy had informed him were under similar situations and soon the lords of the North sent back the body of the spies to Lord Stark. The North was in an uproar and many lords felt slightly, furious at their lords action and wishing justice for the wrongs which he committed against them. Lord Stark lost much support in the north these months, something which could take a generation to regain, this was unheard of from the proud and loyal Northmen and they certainly didn’t like it, should Lord Stark need support in the coming years then he may find himself out of friends. They say the North remembers, they will certainly remember this for years to come.
Lord Stark might wish that had been the end of the bad news, but alas the gods had other plans for the proud man. Some of his vassals said what came next was punishment from the Gods for his immoral actions, and that they saw fit to punish him so severely. Lady Stark gave birth to a daughter, and while she was healthy and not bound by sickness, then she was also a cripple, a normal child has ten fingers, the young Stark had only two, only having a pinky finger on each hand. Some say this badly damaged Lady Stark, who feared for her daughter’s future.
(-300 gold, deformed daughter is born, north in an uproar after utterly failed plot, Lord Stark slightly better at strategy.)
((Update Finished. No small thanks for Sneaky doing writeups in my temporary absentia. He is hereby promoted to Co-GM ))
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House Caron
Seat: Nightsong
Region: The Dornish Marches of the Stormlands
Leader: Lord Theodan Caron
Heir: Lord Lenwood Caron
Overlord: Lord Paramount Lyonel Baratheon
Lord Theodan Caron
Age 17 (b. 217 AC)
Theodan is the only son of the recently-deceased Lord Florian, and is therefore the new lord of Nightsong and House Caron’s other lands. Despite being of Westerosi legal age, as well as being as considered the head of House Caron, the rambunctious youth refuses to take responsibility for any aspects of administration. Instead, the young Theodan opts instead to go on “adventures” all across the Dornish Marches. Most of these day-long outings are relatively harmless, but many of the courtiers at Nightsong fear Theodan getting himself killed as more of the assets of House Caron become available to him.
Lord Lenwood Caron
Age 54 (b. 180 AC)
With Lord Theodan gallivanting across the countryside, the tedious task of day-to-day administration and diplomacy falls upon the weary Lord Lenwood. Lenwood, the younger brother of the late Florian, was the castellan of Nightsong for nearly two decades and was looking forward to entering his “retirement.” That dream was quickly dashed, however, when his nephew decided to shirk the responsibilities of rulership, turning Lenwood into House Caron’s workhorse once more. To make matters worth for the unfortunate man, Lenwood must also keep all three of Florian’s children in line, especially Theodan and Casanna.
Lady Casanna Caron
Age 22 (b. 212 AC)
The eldest of Florian’s three children, Cassana was quick to fill in for their mother who died giving birth to Gwyneth. Cassana grew up to be an authoritative, nonconforming young woman, more similar in disposition to her rowdy brother Theodan than that of the ladylike Gwyneth.
Lady Gwyneth Caron
Age 15 (b. 219 AC)
In stark contrast to the comparatively masculine Casanna, Gwyneth is everything an Andal maiden is meant to be. A beautiful, pure girl who possesses all the virtues of a good lady. She is also the quietest and most bookish of Florian’s children.
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A Cub No Longer
It was later in the morning as Tion was still sleeping in what was now his bed, at least until his father returned, having taken up the rooms of the lord of Casterly Rock, as they were more centrally located, not to mention where the ledgers and so forth was kept, allowing Tion to work more easily than in his own rooms. His mood had been less cheery ever since their return and him being made to rule in his father’s stead. He didn't laugh as much, or enjoy his life as much as before. He had begun spending more and more time together with his uncle to rule Casterly Rock, and then other advisers when his uncle had left. His mood had slightly improved over the last few weeks, progress had been going well, and the mine that collapsed the year earlier had been restored. Normally he would have been awoken by servants by this time, today however on his namesday, he had insisted to be left undisturbed by them.
Ellyn however, had been awake for several hours, directing the servants as they prepared for the day’s festivities. However unofficial her position might of been, she had taken to being the Lady of Casterly Rock with surprising ease, showing great skill in managing the servants so that things continued to run smoothly. Preparing for today however had been another thing entirely, with enough stress to make her seriously consider just how elaborate her wedding would be when it was held. Still, things were well on their way when she returned to Tion, running a hand through his hair and placing a light kiss on his lips to wake him up. “Tion, wake up.”
He slowly opened his tired eyes as he looked at her. “I was in bliss.” He said with a small smile, trying to keep himself awake as he looked at her, stretching out in bed.
Ellyn smiled, “I’m sure you were dear, but you’ve slept too long as it is, do you want all of my hard work to be wasted?” She asked teasingly.
“But it's my namesday, how could I possibly sleep too long.” Tion said as he slowly crawled up against the head of the bed, sitting against it. He looked at her with a smile, “What hard work? I barely noticed much.” he sighed. “Either that or I have my head far too down a ledger as of late.”
“You have indeed,” she replied with a nod, “I have hardly seen you smile in weeks, that is why I spent so much time planning this celebration, so that you can relax and enjoy yourself, so come and get dressed.”
He put his legs out of bed, sitting on the edge forcing himself to wake up properly. “They say there are seven hells, well I found the eight. The bowels of Casterly Rock with a candle and some ledgers.” He said with a laugh as he got up and walked over in one of the next rooms where he could get dressed, he liked this, he could actually walk naked when he got out of bed without freezing to death, unlike the tent at the tournament. “Could you bring something to drink?” He asked from the other room, where he was looking at the clothes, not quite being able to decide what to wear.
“Of course,” Ellyn answered as she began to pour him some watered wine. She herself was wearing a gown made of the finest pale purple silk. She returned to Tion with two glasses, holding one out to him while keeping one for herself and taking a small sip.
He took it, taking a large slurp and filling his mouth with it, getting rid of the horrible taste in his mouth. “Is it new?” He asked, looking at her dress, before he began going over his own clothes, plenty to pick from. “What do you think?” he asked as he looks through it.
“Of course it is,” She said, doing a little twirl to show off the dress. “Nothing but the best for your nameday.” She took a moment to consider his wardrobe before pointing to the red doublet with gold embroidery. “That one seems rather fitting, don’t you think?”
He smiled as she twirled before him before taking the doublet that she had picked out. “Of course.” He said as he went over to the side with it, “What pants?” He asked, enjoying watching her decide, enjoying the wine without really having to care or make decisions.
Ellyn pondered that too for a moment before picking up a pair of black pants with equally dark boots. “I think these would serve to cut an imposing look for you.”
He took it, putting it on as he stood before her and smiled, stretching out again before going over to her, placing his hands on her hips and giving her a kiss. “So, you prepared for weeks you say?”
“Indeed,” she answered as she returned the kiss. “It is a lot of work to plan everything for such an important event you know.”
“You're beautiful in that dress.” He said, looking down at her before breaking off, going off to stand in front of a mirror and adjusting his clothing, binding the pants as well as the doublet, laughing a bit as he spoke. “It's only right, I am the acting lord of Casterly Rock, I deserve to be pampered and pleased.” he said with a smirk on his face as he looked into the mirror to see if it all sat correctly.
“Of course you do,” she replied with a laugh, helping to straighten out Tion’s clothing before holding out her arm for him to take. “Should we go?”
He took it as he smiled and nodded to her.
As they walked through the halls of the Rock towards the tourney ground, Ellyn could not stop smiling at what she had accomplished. She had invited highlords from all across the Westerlands to compete and the smallfolk would travel from Lannisport to watch. A field of pavilions had been erected at the base of the Rock, made of golden silk that shined in the bright sunlight. As they finished descending the elevator they walked out onto the tourney grounds to the sound of trumpets.
She had had carpenters hard at work erecting a gallery which was already filled with nobles who wished to watch the lists, a special place of honor had been left in a private booth at the top, where a carved throne sat covered with a canopy of Lannister red and gold to provide some shade. She looked eagerly at Tion, trying to judge what he thought of the event even as a pair of squires who were too young to actually enter the lists rode against each other before Tion officially began the event.
Tion began it as the two squires bowed before him and Ellyn, he sat back as he watched them ride around them presenting themselves to the court and nobles in attendance. Tion sat back but it didn't take long before he leaned forward with a glass of Arbor gold in his hand, enjoying the show of the two squires facing off against each other with a wide smile on his face. He took Ellyns hand in his, intertwining her fingers in his.
“You like it?” She squeezed his hand slowly, watching the event with some amusement.
“I do.” He said, leaning back in his chair and moving his head to the side, watching her instead of the squires who now rode off to make way for the real competition. “The squires still have much to learn” he said to her as the knights began preparing, and Tion caressing her hand with his thump.
Ellyn chuckled. “Not all men can be running around winning tournies before they reach their sixteenth nameday.”
Tion raised their hands up, kissing the surface of hers before looking out at the knights who broke lances on one another. “Ah yes, my sixteenth nameday, the day I become a man.”
“Oh, I’m not so sure,” Ellyn said, grinning before she leaned over to kiss his hand, “I would think that you have been a man at least a few times over this past year.”
He chuckled. “True, you made sure of that.” He said with a content smile, while one of the knights struck the other from his horse, making Tion stand up and clap. “Well done.” he said before going over and sitting down again. “Though the watchful eye of my father certainly prevented me from being one far too many times, him and his bloody servants.”
She smiled as she took his hand again. “You do not like when he is here to hold you back, and yet you do not like when he is gone and you must do things for yourself. Curious.” She was clearly not being serious as she took her own cup of arbor wine and sipped it.
“He is my father, I love and I hate him.” Tion said as he continued watching the joust. “I still worry at night, that he has left, that I will fail at this task.”
“You won’t Tion, I promise,” Ellyn sighed, turning her attention back to the joust as well. “You know,” she said quietly, “I was somewhat worried with how this tourney would turn out. Would nobles travel to Casterly Rock to compete, would the smallfolk wish to arrive to watch? Small things, but I wanted to ensure that you would have a good time.”
“Im glad, so far the day has been a great one, compared to the others this is like paradise.” Tion said as he looked into her eyes with a smile, before turning his attention back at the joust. “I almost imagine that you planned for more than just a tourney.” he says, eager to hear her response.
“The reason I mentioned it Tion, is simply to say that after all the worry, things seem to find a way to work themselves out.” Ellyn laughed. “And yes, once the tourney is over there will be a feast to shower you in gifts, and after that...a surprise.”
His grin widened. “I suppose you are right.” He said a bit relieved. “The mine is restored, working again, the peasants are still fed and Casterly Rock has yet to fall into the sea.”
“Exactly,” she said as a Crakehall knight knocked a Lannister cousin from his horse. “Do you wish you were competing?”
Tion frowned as he saw his cousin knocked off. Tion sat thinking for a bit. “I don't know, a part of me does yea, but Im happy to finally sit here with you.”
“I would not complain,” Ellyn said good-naturedly taking a sip of her wine again. “This is your day after all.”
He looked at her with a smile before standing up, and within long he was on horseback and competing, he did well, just like he had at Storms End, only this time he appeared much more confident and relaxed. He rode again and again, winning the final joust, but also taking a harsh blow to his arm which had to be wrapped and put into a sling before he could return to sit next to Ellyn.
“You looked to be enjoying yourself out there,” she said with a warm smile as he sat back down, not fussing over his arm when she saw the smile that was clearly plastered on his face.
“Yea.” He said getting his breath, and sitting back in his chair. “It allows me to relax, sitting on my horse with a clear purpose and a rush as I charge, a thrill through my stomach.”
“Perhaps you should do it more often then,” she replied, amused, and admittedly curious how much the wound might hurt.
“Ah, but that would require more jousts.” He said holding up his arm when the weather suddenly took a turn for the worse and cold rain began falling from what had been a cloudless sky only an hour before.
Tion and Ellyn and their noble guests were quickly escorted into the great hall at Casterly Rock, where the smell of wonderful food already filled the room. Long tables had been set up running the length of the hall, except for one that was placed on a large stage to look down over the other guests. Ellyn and Tion were led to their seats at this table by a servant who immediately filled their glasses with wine, Arbor for Tion, Dornish for Ellyn. They did not have to wait long for dinner either and they were quickly presented with plates of delicious roasted boar cured in honey. Before they began to eat, Lord Crakehall, a robust man, raised his cup to toast Tion, presenting him with a boar spear with a handle wrapped in gold. Next came Lord Marbrand, with a finely crafted shield that presented the profile of a roaring lion. Several other lesser lords also presented gifts, a case of arbor wine, eastern silks, small tokens of their respect for their lord.
Once the gifts had all been given Ellyn raised an eyebrow at Tion, cheeks flushed from the freely flowing wine. “Which was your favorite?”
He sat drinking, enjoying the meal to the fullest despite only having one good arm to eat it with, speaking to her quietly. “The boar spear, I think at least, I already look forward to the hunt when summer comes again.”
“Or perhaps if it comes again,” she mused with a slight slur to her words. “The weather nearly ruined the tourney.”
He chuckled. “N-nothing wrong with a bit of weather to add element.” he said as a servant refilled his cup and he sat back in his chair, looking at her. “The Stark’s always say “Winter is coming” And it is said they are never wrong, if so then surely it must go away to come again or the Starks will indeed be liers.” He kissed the surface of her hand, taking a second before talking again. “Spring will come, and we will be married with the trees blooming around us.”
“I hope,” she said, before letting the smile return to her face as he kissed her hand. “But I should mention, I think that you will like my gift the best. Far more than a spear.”
He looked at her intrigued. “Then I think that you are cruel for continually keeping it from me.” he sat with a smile on his face.
She laughed, lowering her voice as she leaned over to him. “I cannot give it to you here, and it would be rude to abandon our guests.”
“Im sure they would like the entertainment.” He said with a great laugh before he stood up and took her hand. “May I have this dance?”
“Of course.” Ellyn took his hand as she climbed to her feet and followed him down from the raised platform. “I’m not so sure they would though.”
“Perhaps if I was not so selfish, I would oppose that statement.” He said as he held her closed and began dancing, some of his reactions a bit slow with the wine flowing through him.
Ellyn chuckled as she rested her head on his good shoulder, letting him do most of the work for the dancing as she let her eyes drift closed. “This is nice.”
He moved them around, but also began going slightly slower, resting his head on top of hers. “It is.” He enjoyed the moment. “I missed being close to you. Promise me you will do this more often.”
“Assuming that you can manage to get away from your constant work.” She wrapped an arm around his neck and quickly kissed him. “I wonder which will come first, another of your namedays or spring.”
“Spring, I hope.” He said as he kept dancing. “I will admit, winter is getting a bit tiresome by now.”
Ellyn took his hand, twirling around on a whim with a giggle. “To put it nicely. Perhaps we should simply go to Dorne for a long while and ride horses and drink more wine.”
He laughed and spun her around again. “They do have good wines.” He said. “I'm sure we could find a small castle down there to spend the days in.”
“It would be nice, but not terribly practical,” She said as she braced herself against Tion, dizzy from the spinning. “Maybe we could just drink more wine here.”
He nodded. Taking Ellyn back to their table, the night going on as Tion kept drinking and enjoying the feast next Ellyn. Eventually the feast began to wind down, but only after a magnificent cake shaped like the head of a lion was served. Many of the guests left, beginning the long trips back to their own lands, though some remained, talking more quietly among themselves as the servants began the long process of cleaning the hall.
Ellyn stood unsteadily taking Tion’s hand and pulling at it to get him to follow her. “Come on, quickly.”
He slowly stood up from his chair, his own movements not entirely sure as he walked a bit slowly, stumbling a bit here and there.
The couple struggled to make their way up to the lord of Casterly Rock’s room, but eventually they made it and Ellyn led Tion to the balcony which looked out over Lannisport and its harbor. She pointed out in that direction. “See it?”
He squinted his eyes, shaking his head with his focus not entirely clear, looking at her slightly confused trying to see it.
“There!” She cried, making a greater effort to point more clearly at the harbor, where a pleasure barge like the ones that drifted up and down the Mander floated at anchor.
It took a bit of time but he saw it, smirking as he did. “Wow, how did you.” he said surprised.
“Lots of money,” she replied with a giggle. “We leave tomorrow.”
He looked surprised. “Where to?”
“The Reach, obviously,” She answered as she pushed herself away from the railing and off the balcony. “Where else?” She made her way over towards the bed, sighing as she began to remove her jewelry.
He stood there, looking at the barge a bit more with a happy smile before going over to bed, laying down and falling asleep quickly as she still removed her clothes.
Update done. Sorry for some of the delays.
Next orders are due July 1st, any time really, just before the end of the day.
Wall of Shame :
@jcucc (Kicked for inactivity)Next orders are due July 1st, any time really, just before the end of the day.
Wall of Shame :
@Tornadoli (Kicked for inactivity)
@Jako473 (Warned for not sending orders)
@BlackBishop (Kicked for inactivity)
A raven is sent out from King's Landing to Dragonstone, bearing the white dragon of Brynden Rivers.