http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25KABvPbq-U

>>24264225
I was the motherfucker who wrote those damn words 'Untill the Last Ridge' though I think I typed 'Till the Last Ridge' initially.

I'm so fucking in this

Until the last ridge! For House Harrock!

So monitoring this thread.

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>>24264277
>>24264286
I'll bump with a few posts. Hopefully this should get us a bit more interest.

With your men and your captives in tow you travel towards your sole fortification in the lowlands, Wetrock. The grim, imposing tower seems out of place in the wild landscape, built atop a bed of rock and stone beside the river Westflow. It's just as dull and dank on the inside as it is on the outside but at least it's strong, sturdy and well-guarded, a perfect place for traders to shelter in before the harrowing journey through Westpass. Your rangers sit back to take a breather, licking their wounds from the battle while you escort your captives to somewhere more private and secure.

With the assistance of Ser Boros and some of his men each of the captives are bound amidst much swearing and struggling. A giant of a man with his beard braided into his earrings, a runty dwarf of a man, a filthy boy with a missing ear and a lanky, pale woman with a disgusting birthmark covering most of her face. The sort of unsavoury characters that the mountain clans would attract. Still, they potentially have useful information and you need to acquire it if you are to deal with the problem that they represent. Ser Boros sets about sharpening his knives, in case you need to provide them with 'incentive.'

What do you wish to do?

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Important Characters:
Ser Artys Harrock – You. A thin, unremarkable man with pallid skin worn and weathered by the winds of the Vale, framed with coarse brown hair cut close to the head and muddy eyes of the same colour. A shrewd but patient fellow, you're the one with the duty to lead House Harrock to prosperity and stability. See image.
Ulfir Stone – Your elder brother and a bastard. During the War of the Usurper in which your father died, he stole the majority of House Harrock's military and resources, squandering them in an attempt to cripple Jon Arryn's army and curry favour with the Mad King. He's still out there somewhere.
Alric Harrock – Your uncle. A tall and gangly old man with tight skin and carefully groomed hair as white as snow. You have his eyes. He's a sly old fox and was as much of a father to you as your real dad. He functions as your castellan.
Maester Llelewyn – Your maester. He's a gaunt and ugly fellow with a mope of black hair, hailing from the Riverlands. He's not a pleasant man and he seems to prefer the company of ravens to humanity, something you're just find with.
Ser Morys – Your Master-of-Arms. He's squat and lean with a mane of loose grey hair and skin that seems ready to fall off his body it's so wrinkled and loose. Venerable and wise, there's no better tactician in your house. When you were a boy you were his squire, now your son follows your footsteps.

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>>24264339
Ser Tenry – A sworn sword in your service. A wiry, athletic ranger who was knighted by Ser Morys after his exceptional service as an impromptu commander. Possibly the best marksman in your house.
Ser Boros – A sworn sword in your service. A dark-skinned, curly-haired lad barely older than your son. You have your doubts that he is truly a knight but you do not know anyone who is better with a spear.
Lady Deyya Harrock – Your wife. Formerly of House Manderly, you share a loveless marriage with this woman. Her fair hair is greying but her eyes haven't lost their brightness. Her pink, soft body is ample in all of the right and wrong places. See image.
Brock Harrock – Your son. He's fifteen years old and you share quite a troubled relationship with the boy. A squire to Ser Morys, he seems to have far more interest in pugilism and pummelling other boys than knighthood.
Katrin Harrock – Your daughter. A beautiful and charming girl with the pale skin and lean physique of House Harrock and the fair hair and bright eyes of House Manderly. Exceptionally well-behaved and a perfect child.

>>24264318
I seek the council of some of my most wise and senior men; nothing is more annoying than serving an undeserving and unappreciative lord and we have the house history to prove it

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>>24264225
Fuck yes, I'm here.

Have a MS Paint of Ser Artys Harrock in light armor. I've imagined Ambition as based off of the Turkish yataghan, a forward-bending saber. It looks cool, okay?
>>24264318
Let's question them. Find out which clan they're a part of and why they're here.

>>24264370
First the kid. The kid is bound to be the faggot of the group.

>>24264225
Huh. You actually continued. Perhaps I'll put my faith in you that you won't disappear and take part then.

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House House reporting in, all other houses are small time.

>>24264389
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand jinxed. I bet the FBI is taking into custody OP in 30 seconds or so.

>>24264370
>>24264385

Gentlemen, I think we're being a bit hasty here; I suggest we think our moves through and THEN act.

We have a small host of men all capable of thought and thus, filled with different opinions and ideas. I suggest we tap into this resource and from it, shape our own opinion on the matter.

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>>24264404
Get at me bro.

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>>24264385
Yeah, sure. He'll probably crack easiest.
>>24264416
What do you mean? Consult our men?

>>24264416
We need to be present just in case they miss something shouldn't we? I mean the most important topic right now is getting rid of the bandits, the interrogation sounds something we should focus on.

>>24264426
I think he means delegate the interrogation to our men. I understood that.

>>24264454
Okay, that makes sense. We're a landed knight, we have people to do the interrogating for us.

>>24264318
First, I think we should offer them the chance to renounce their lives and join civilisation, as Lord Arryn offered our progenitor so long ago.

After that, offer them the chance of a quick death if they give us the information we seek.

After that, well... Boros can 'persuade' them...

>>24264464
I still suggest us being present. It's too important to let details slip by to our men.

>>24264467
I don't think killing them is the best course of action. Certainly not when we have so many other options available to us.

What I suggest we do is separate them, especially the youngling; as anon pointed out earlier, he will probably be the easiest to break. From there, we will focus several hours at a time on each captive, making sure to give them small breaks between each 'session'. The breaks will never consist of proper rest; sleep deprivation is known to work even in the vile parts of the land.

At the same time, I suggest we ask each of our most senior men about the matter; just to give them the illusion that they can shape our opinion. Nothing to wet their appetite for servitude like the idea that their important.

>>24264509
>>24264416
>>24264357
>>24264441
>>24264454
None of the senior servants of your house are currently with you, excluding Ser Boros and he hardly counts as 'senior.' Nonetheless, you ask him for his opinion and advice, which he answers with a rather plain look.
"We get what we want to know out of them, m'lord and when we're done, we kill #em. If we let them go they'll just go back to rapin' and pillagin'. They don't deserve any sympathy. They're mountain men. Ain't even human, m'lord."
Most of your men inside the garrison of Wetrock seem to agree with this as you ask for their thoughts. Whether they're guards or rangers, they've all lost many friends and family to clan raids - they have no mercy for the wild men and they'd happily kill them for you when you're done. As far as the servants of House Harrock are concerned, they're subhumans who deserve nothing short of a quick death.

You offer Boros and some of his rangers the chance to lead the interrogation, although you remind them that you'll be watching. A couple of them grin to each other sadistically, but your sworn sword only responds with a simple shrug.
"I can do that, m'lord. Any specific questions that you want me to ask the scum? Besides the basics, I mean. Where they are, how many of them, what clan. That sort o' thing."

>>24264527
>Nothing to wet their appetite for servitude like the idea that their important.

I like that thought process. I like that a lot.

>>24264509
I agree - we want the information, we should be there to judge if what we are told is a lie or not.

>>24264527
Sounds like an idea, I just thought offering them that release could get one of them to tell us all they know, though it's a long shot.

I think Ser Boros and his closest rangers will be needed to 'coax' them into telling us what they know.

>>24264562
Ask if they know each other. Any family/love ties are bound to break them faster. If we know they care for someone amongst the prisoners, we can use it as a token to loose their tongue.

>>24264603
This.

Also maybe we should ask about our bastard brother. He's out there somewhere, up to no good.

>>24264562
Say outloud, so the men can hear 'I have a few....' sadistic grin' special requests'

Drag Boros away privately before the interrogations and say 'Make them hate you and the men, Boros. I want them to quiver in fear and spit with rage everytime you approach them. I will be with you through out the interrogations; it will be your job to ensure that I look as calm and merciful as possible. I want these people to bless my arrival every time I choose to grace them with my presence. I want these savages to love me like family. And when they do, and when I have all I need, leave them hanging from some trees.'

>Said once, I'll say it again
>We are House Harrock; we don't fuck around

>>24264641
We are clever bastards, aren't we?

>>24264667
No, that'd be our brother, we're clever legitimates.

>>24264691
That's the right of it.

>>24264667
I now proclaim myself 'Clever Bass' the smartest fish in the Retarded River.

How about asking if they're working with any other clans or, the Seven forbid, one of our rival houses.

If we've thought of pushing the clans onto our rival's lands, they will have thought the same.

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>>24264716
For you.

>>24264667
>>24264641
>>24264623
>>24264603
>>24264591
>>24264591
>>24264565
>>24264527
Just so I get the general idea:

Separate them and interrogate each of them separately. Take advantage of any connections that they may share and don't forget to question them about your bastard brother. Have the men treat them with cruelty and hatred so that when you deem to treat them in a more civil and respectful manner, they will do anything to appease you.

Do I have the right idea?

>>24264748
I'd say spot on lad. Now let's torture some barbarians!

>>24264748
Yep, sounds perfect.

>>24264748
That's what we're shooting for, yes.

>>24264747
Thank you Anon.

By the way, did you just happen to have that image and suddenly find a use for it...or did you go and find it?

>>24264810
I find offense in that doubt, of course I was saving bass pictures for you

Polite reminder to put "quest" in your quest thread subject field

>>24264318

You are using the coat of arms I made! I am so fucking happy.

Oooh, interrogations.

Shall we see if we can put House Bolton to shame?

>>24264826
Will do next time.
>>24264748
After some discussion, you go ahead with the interrogation. Each of the savages are split into different cells where they're brutalised, tortured and humiliated in whatever imaginative and sadistic ways your men can come up with. These soldiers have lost all manner of family and friends to raids and this is their way of returning the favour. You occasionally pop into the cells, as a figure of mercy and a brief respite from their torture. It's effective and each time, they beg for you to stay, say that they'll tell you whatever you want. They do.

They're Milk Snakes, a clan of savages who paint their skin with swirls of red and white much like the serpents that they name themselves other. They have an encampment in the Mountains of the Moon to the South, pushed further North by frequent patrols around the Bloody Gate. They've settled down on this side of the mountains, in a small forest nestled amongst the peaks where they venture forward and pick at the traders travelling the Westpass and the serfs who try to scrape out a living in the nearby wilderness. Their estimates of how many people live in the clan vary wildly, with some claiming only a few hundred while the one with the braided beard says over a thousand. Speaking of that man, he's apparently the father of the girl with the birth marks and you were able to exploit the connection with ease, convincing both of them to sing like songbirds. None of the savages seem to have heard of your bastard brother, nor have they seen anyone with his looks. Apparently Ulrif hasn't involved himself with this particular clan.

In the end, you settle on an average and guess that there's roughly five hundred Milk Snakes in their little grove to the South, some of them likely old or young or wounded or otherwise unable to fight. Having asked all that you initially had in mind, Ser Boros approaches you outside of the cells.
"Y'got any further questions or can we off them now, m'lord?"

>>24265017

Let the men decide, I say, this decision is below us now. If they want to have a bit of sport, it's on them.

>>24265017
I'd say they should remain alive until we actually check that their story was real. Just in case they "forgot" something.

>>24265083
Now we 'release' them into our rivals land, right?

>>24265017
'Yes. Make sure to ask them how it is that the clans stay in contact, how their clan in particular stays in contact and how it is they were able to so effectively raid so many times; either their leader is very skilled and thus, must die or they as a whole are efficient and thus, must die. Either way, savages die, but I'd like to know whether their skill came from leadership or simply good soldier'

>>24265083
>>24265090
>>24265095
Any one of these is viable. I'll leave it to you guys to come to a consensus.

First check if what they say is true. Alive until we fucking break the bandits out of our lands. And then we can >>24265095. Sounds reasonable.

>>24265017
Have any of them been approached by other Houses or any individuals, in terms of being paid or persuaded to move into our lands?

Do they know anything about other clans in the region, and their numbers?

But I think we should keep them alive for the moment, in case they come in useful. Give the girl to the men for sport, they'll appreciate it, as distasteful as it is.

>>24265095
These ones? No, these ones get hung. the encampment of 500 though? We harry them in that direction.

A few here and there aren't going to change a damn thing, and would likely just try to return and join back up with their brethren, if we get the entire clan moving on the other hand, they'll actually start troubles.

Don't forget the impact on morale if they're let go either.

>>24265017
Interclan rivalries are bountiful in the Vale. Let's find out which clans they're friendly with and which ones are their enemies. This could be important later on.

>>24265095

I do not like this. It can come back to us, and that would be very bad.

Better to dispose of them. Just give them to the men, they will enjoy the sport. After we are sure of the veracity of their words, of course.

Have some honor. Off them swiftly and as painlessly as possible. beheading.

>>24265017
Execute these ones, give orders to the rangers to harry that particular clan (west is the direction of the territory that holds the port we have claim to, right?) whichever direction that port is without directly mentioning that territory or the port.

we'll do something similar with several clans worth, execute others entirely, that way if asked about the mountain clans encroachment we can safely say that we were attempting to clear our lands of the scum, and some fled to surrounding areas.

>>24265201
The man that passes the sentence should hold the sword. This is not King's Landing.

>>24265201

Give honor to those who have it, not godless mountain thugs.

>>24265201
And make it public, so everyone enjoys the view.

>>24265213
Agreed
>>24265218
Acting without honor impugnes the honor of the house. Behead them publicly, personally. Let the people see your strength, wisdom, and mercy.

>>24265218
Man have some mercy. We're cool guys.

>>24265222

Be sure to kill the woman and her father together then, no need to make one watch the other.

>>24265149
>>24265126
They know of the Stone Crows and the Burned Men, who still inhabit the mountains near the Bloody Gate. They haven't interacted with them in years but they treated both of those clans as rivals - one of the reasons why they moved up North, so they wouldn't have to pick up the scraps of these other clans.
They weren't approached by any other clans or individuals. Occasionally they do get paid by idiot traders, but they usually just end up killing them and taking their gold anyway.
>>24265107
After talking with them further, it seems like it's just a case of learning the routines. It was difficult to raid the trade routes to begin with but then they began to pick up on holes in your rangers' patrols. They raid when they aren't looking, quickly striking in and out. It's just a case of learning. The stupid get caught and die, like they're going to while the smart survive and keep on pillaging.

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>>24265211
House Belmore of Strongsong holds Grimarbour, the port that you have claim to. They are to the North of your territory.

>>24265254

Inform our rangers of this at the nearest opportunity, and remove the head ranger from his post for his failure at that time.

I say we execute them from the top of Wetrock. Beheading with Ambition, it'll be the fastest and most painless way. We'll also be broadcasting our intent to any watchers we don't know about. Bring them up one at a time from their cells, kill them, and then dispose of the bodies however we see fit.
>>24265254
No connections. That's good, though I'd preferred they have some inside information on other clans in our lands.

>>24265289
1 vote on this, we can't tolerate idiocy amongst our ranks.

>>24265280
Ahh, harry them northwards then, 4 or 5 clans of similar size harried into their territory should give them something to think about, and we can wipe out a few more as cover if possible.

>>24265213
Agreed. We have honour, we should act like it.

>>24265289
Watch out - we do only have 100 rangers in this area, there's no way they can be everywhere at once. They're doing the best they can with the resources they have.

>>24265280
Push the clans towards Belmore's lands then, but wipe out some of the camps, as then it makes it harder for them to prove we're doing it on purpose.

>>24265289
>>24265292


I vote for both of these.

>>24265342
They have fixed patrols instead of renewing them from week to week. It was stupidity not numbers.

>>24265365
Ahh, in that case, yea, demote him.

>>24265379
>>24265365
I say reprimand him instead of demoting him.

>>24265292

You do realize we are not Northmen, right? It makes little sense, lore-wise for us to do all of our own executions.

>>24265413

Lashes then, and ensure the patrols are altered. Make it clear he will lose more than position if he fails again.

>>24265426
>not north men
Like hell

>>24265413
Yea, probably a better idea.

>>24265426
We are originally of these mountains, though, and we should not order a person killed if we can't be seen to be willing to do it ourself. To do otherwise would suggest weakness, that we cannot enforce our own declarations.

>>24265426
Even if we're not of the North we still have our honor. We were barbarians once, and our enemies are sure to remember that. Let's show them that we're nothing like these savages.

>>24265413
That sounds a little bit "lax". We're starting we can't tolerate these kind of things.

>>24265468
Someone suggested lashes

>>24265466
This is the main reason why we have to look all knightly and chivalrous.

>>24265280
Dude, nice map. Where'd you get it?

And kudos on getting another GoT Quest going. Do you know what your schedule's going to be so I can avoid those days?
Don't want to split the playerbase when I get Knock-Off GoT Quest back up in a week or two.

>>24265485
The schedule is 9pm BST (GMT+1) Monday and Friday.

>>24265476
If you do that you're gonna humilliate him and his men would not respect him (aka: you've demoted him by default). Just demote him and let him keep his honor.

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House Harrock?
More like house Hardcock
There words are "We stand for cock"
Theyre sigil is a black dire cock rampant with a purple dildo on a blue and orange chequy

>>24265501
Let's wait until we get back home to discipline the first ranger, we don't need to spread dissent in the ranks while we're still out in the field.

>>24265462
>>24265466

Very well, but don't make it standard practice. We hardly need to look like a Stark.

Though I am still opposed to this. You want to seperate us from the barbarians, we should act like a Knight of the Seven. Knights of the Seven are NOT executioners.

>>24265526
Also let's keep it private. We're not fearsome machines, we need to keep pumping our humanity engine.

>>24265289
>>24265301
>>24265342
Ser Tenry is technically the man in charge of all rangers - although the rangers of each region have their own captains. Although you can speak with Ser Tenry later about his possible lack of foresight, you decide to place the blame on the captain of the wetland rangers for now and make plans to remove him from his position and allow your sworn swords to choose a more suitable candidate.
>>24265342
>>24265323
You make a note to harry the Milk Snakes North of your territory towards Strongsong. Hopefully they'll settle down there and cause trouble for House Belmore instead.
>>24265201
>>24265213
>>24265222
>>24265237
>>24265230
>>24265242
>>24265292
The prisoners are both carried to the top of Wetrock. Many of your men assemble there to watch the procedure grimly. Each of the mountain men are forced to kneel in turn before they are beheaded, their bodies and their heads sent toppling from the edge into the rushing water below. You make sure to make it as quick, painless as possible, even slaying the father and his daughter together. It's a clean death and as close to a peaceful one as the savages could hope to get. Their carcasses are washed away and there is no evidence the scum were ever here.

You have eliminated a Wildling raiding party - your efforts have made this land a little safer and has made it easier for you to expand your domain, if you so wish.
You gain 2 Law points.
You gain 1 Land point.

Your business at Wetrock is done and it is quite late in the day - your other men stationed near Skycliff have likely finished their patrol of the nearby mountains as well.
What would you like to do next?

>>24265289

Don't remove him, reprimand him a little and order him to make the patrols more difficult to predict and do unexpected patrols out of schedule.

>>24265535
I don't care if we do it ourselves or not, I only care about a quick easy death because they've collaborated. More on Stannis the mannis side.

>>24265535
Tell that to Sers Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch.

>>24265583

There is a distinction between executioner and butcher.

>>24265541
Sounds good.

>>24265553
Awesome! In that case, let's have the rangers scout out the nearest location the prisoners said a camp was, to see if they were telling the truth, and return back to our castle, to meet with the returning mountain ranger party, and our son.

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>>24265485
It's this map - I did a bit of editing in order to get it to work though.

I personally admire the map you made for the territories near House Morderengrad - how did you make that?

>>24265609

Agreed.

>>24265594
And there's a distinction between a chivalrous tourney Knight of the Seven and a Knight that does what needs to be done. We're done here anyway.
>>24265553
Let's return home for dinner with our family. Maybe leave some of our rangers behind at Wetrock to reinforce the garrison and keep an eye out for other raiding parties.

>>24265609
I'm all for the family time. We can't forfeit our son's needs.

>>24265553

Send a raven to The Eyrie, informing our liege of the success against the mountain clans, whilst also hinting that our campaign against the tribes might go faster if we received some financial aid.

>>24265647

We will likely just have to reprimand him for beating some poor soldier up.

>>24265673
Roll a 4d6 for that, please. I'll accept the first roll.

>>24265673

It's a bit early for that, it was just one raiding party, Wait until we've annihilated a tribe or two.

>>24265609
I second this notion. We must know how big a threat the savages are. Use the information gained from the interrogation while it's still fresh.

>>24265673
Begging for money to our liege so soon? I don't think that's really smart...

>>24265680
Jesus christ we need to get him educated asap or else he's gonna fuck up our standing.

Rolled 5, 1, 5, 3 = 14

>>24265647
And we need to start molding him into a fit heir for our lands, for when that time comes. We can't have him continuing to be a thug and undisciplined.

>>24265640
Sounds good, and perhaps we can try to make the relationship we have with our family, especially our son and wife, a little better. We could, perhaps, do with more than just one son and daughter, at least.

>>24265685
Rolling

>24265692

Strike whilst the iron is hot. What use is financial aid to fight the clans if we've already finished most of them off?

>>24265764

Then its a reward, and one well earned. We could even petition for more lands and rights, as we solved the issue without burdening the Eyrie.

>>24265692

>>24265764


Must have accidentally deleted one of them. linking.

Rolled 1, 5, 4, 5 = 15

>>24265783
Aye, we could have petitioned to get back Grimarbour from House Belmore, since it is actually ours by right.

>>24265764
I still think it's not good. We need to fall on the bright side of our lord, not being a leecherous vassal that keeps bleeding him for help. I prefer his generosity being a smile than a purse filled with coins. The first one may save our asses in more occasions.

>>24265824

This man has it.

>>24265696
You send of a letter containing the details of your engagement and a humble request for House Arryn's support in the further eradication of the mountain clan pest. You personally think it was quite well-written.
>>24265647
>>24265640
>>24265618
>>24265609
You return home to your family, to eat and to rest before the next day comes about. You request that the rangers investigate this grove to the South that harbours the savages, however. You want more solid information on their numbers, a confirmation that they actually exist.

In any case, you return to High Harrock where you are confronted by Ser Tenry and Ser Morys, with their reports on the situation.
"I'm afraid that there wasn't much activity in the mountains today, m'lord. We did find a few clansmen but it was hardly an organised raiding party - just a few scavengers lying in wait for a trader or two. We handled them cleanly, for the most part -" Hesitation. "- except for one incident. Your son was shot by one of the mountain men, the Maester is tending to his injury at this very moment. Although I'd say it's a serious wound, it didn't seem to stop your boy from throttling the life out of the man before we could question him. Brock didn't even draw his sword - I doubt I'll ever get him to fight like a knight."

Do you have any questions to ask either of the knights? Do you wish to discuss the faults of the rangers' patrols with Ser Tenry at this moment in time, or would you rather leave that for later?

>>24265868
Fuck no, let's stay by our son's side. He's the fucking heir goddamit.

>>24265868
Question Ser terry on the faults, but not in front of Ser Morys, while it may or may not be his failing, it would be unlordly to embarrass him in front of his compatriot while just seeking information on the matter.

>>24265868

Seemed to me the majority were against the letter, but alright.

The rangers can wait, we have a son to set straight. He is our heir, personality aside.

>>24265868
Thank them for their service and dismiss them to their meals, we can talk to them later in the evening. We've all had a long day out riding and fighting.

Is it too late to add something to the letter? I think it would behoove us to ask Lord Arynn if any of his bannermen have sons of squiring age that could befriend our son and maybe be a sparring partner for him. One of Bronze Yohn's boys, perhaps. Having a connection to the court would help as well.

>>24265868
>Do you wish to discuss the faults of the rangers' patrols with Ser Tenry at this moment in time, or would you rather leave that for later?

I think we should leave that until later, when we can talk about it in more detail.

>Do you have any questions to ask either of the knights?

Thank them for their work, and apologise for the actions of our son, in case he put any of the other men at risk.

Then I think we should go and talk to our son, and express our displeasure at his childish antics. If he continues as he is, he is no fit heir of High Harrock.

>>24265897
We'll see our son after he's bandaged up, no reason to force him to show off his weakness, later after he's bandaged we'll visit him, he'll pretend to be strong, we'll pretend to believe him, and he can save face.

>>24265868
Be with our son for now. Show him we actually give a damn about him. Ser Terry isn't going anywhere.

>>24265939
Love first, reprimands later. I don't think he's the kind of guy that takes in consideration reprimands.

>>24265935
Very good idea, our son could do with some more noble company his own age.

>>24265824

A single request for aid would not be considered lecherous. If you were in Arryns shoes, would you leave a incredibly important issue which affects a large amount of the Vale to one of the smaller, weaker houses?


>>24265939

I agree with this and Kurtis' point about asking for a companion for our son.

>>24265935
Jon Arryn is currently in King's Landing, helping King Robert cement his rule. Occasionally he tends to return to the Vale to handle specific business but during his absence, Lord Yohn Royce has been chosen to act as his castellan and handle such affairs in his absence. But yes, you add this to the list of things to do.
>>24265959
>>24265897
>>24265932
>>24265935
>>24265939
You make a visit to your son in the chambers of Maester Llelewyn. You find him lying upon a bed, hissing with pain as the Maester expertly works at extracting the arrowhead. It's quite a deep wound, embedded in the boy's shoulder but you trust Llelewyn - he has cured you and your family of many ailments and mended many of your wounds in the past.
As for your son, he's quite a sight. A few inches taller than you, he's almost twice as wide. A gross figure of fat and muscle in equal proportions, the only sign that he's related to you is his coarse brown hair and his muddy, beady eyes. Other than that, he's a Manderly through and through - quick to gain weight and easy to scar with soft, malleable pink skin. At the same time though, you know that he's easily twice as strong as you are. It's difficult to chide and punish a boy who could easily punch your face in if he felt like it.
The moody young Harrock offers you a glare, speaking amongst the groans of pain as the Maester works.
"What're you looking at?"

>>24266138
I apologise for the delay by the way - I had a few things to handle that got in the way of my posting time.

>>24266138
A damn fool who'd choke a man in battle rather than run him through, Glad you're alright boy.

>>24266138
"My fool son, who apparently thinks with his fist and his cock instead of the brain The Seven gave him."

>>24266138
I am looking at my son, the future Lord Harrock, and someone who was injured in protecting my lands, Brock.

What must we do to prepare you for your future rulership? You cannot fight against the barbarian clans with bare fists, son, and you must learn both this and respect for your elders, if you are to rule well once I have gone.

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bumping with a house I made

>>24266138
"A boy. A little angry boy who forgets himself, and worse, his sword. We are not hillfolk that quarrel with fists. We have steel for that. You would do well to remember it. If this arrow had hit you on your broad side, what would have happened? Who would rule this House when I pass?

"Your teachers have told me of your shortcomings. Once your shoulder is healed you will practice with men-at-arms for two hours a day until you find which part of the sword to hold. No more boys and cravens. No padded jerkins and sticks. You are soft and fat, boy, and that will not stand. If you do not become a worthy heir for me I shall find one for your sister to marry.

"I am glad that you were not hurt more grievously, as is your mother. But this will not stand."

>>24266138
Tell the next time he screws up and the men entrusted to his command die because of his idiocy, he'll bury the men with his own grubby, sausage fingers.

Oh, and good to see you're doing well.

>>24266138
"At my foolish son, who's more of a brawler than an heir." Sigh. "I came here to see how you were doing, but I see not even wounds can hurt that arrogance." Sit by his side and give him a worried look.

>>24266283
This. 100% this. Being soft with the boy isn't helping, now it's time to be strong with him, if that is all he respects.

>>24266138

"Pardon me, your majesty, for daring to disturb your complex train of thoughts.

But on a less sarcastic note, I'd like to know how long you think you can keep acting like a pit fighter from Astapor, and when you intend to act your age and start behaving in a way which would be acceptable as a Heir.

My patience and goodwill extends only so far. There is always the Wall for men who want act like a lowborn rat."

>>24266283
this.
Also make a mental note to sex the wife on occasions on the off chance we can produce another son in case this one is unable/unfit to carry on our legacy.

>>24266408
I suggested this earlier, as we could do with more children, regardless of gender, to marry off for alliances to strengthen our house.

>>24266449
Aye, seconding this. If we need to import some codfish, lemoncakes, or whatever to please our wife then so be it. But we need more children.

>>24266283

I approve.

>>24266185
>>24266200
A dismissive snort, followed by a sudden cry as the fragment of metal is removed from him. The Maester quickly flinches away, placing the arrowhead aside and before he hesitantly returns to clean and dress the wound.
"Don't need a damn sword to kill a man... Steel's for cowards. I don't need to hide behind a bloody sword."
You can see him eyeing Ambition with disdain, fat pink lips curling in a sneer.
"I'm alive, ain't I? And the idiot who shot me died. I made sure of that."
You can't help but wonder what sort of archer could possibly miss your son, looking at the size of him.
>>24266221
"I ain't gonna have other men fight for me. I ain't a coward, Artys."
He never calls you father.
"Weapons don't matter anyway. I can fight with a sword, I can fight with whatever damn weapon I choose. I just choose my fists. That's how I'll rule as well if I damn have to, with my bloody fists."
He waves a ham-like fist in the air.
>>24266283
>>24266286
>>24266318
>>24266320
>>24266347
"I'll practice as much as you damn want, Artys. Doesn't mean that you're gonna change my mind. I'll fight however I damn well please and I'll rule however I damn well please. I ain't you and you ain't gonna turn me into you. Seven Hells, look at me. I ain't ever gonna be the Harrock you want. Might as well just call me a bastard and get it done with."
After a short silence, the boy's temper begins to cool and he murmurs again.
"And thanks. Glad you're all right too... Hope you got more action that we did. Was dull in the mountains, except for that archer."

>>24266474
Have some players or bards come to give us music and plays, perhaps.

South Park has taught me that musicals and plays are the best way to get a woman to do whatever you want.

>>24266474
>>24266449
>>24266408
Mental note made.

>>24266491
Tell him the kitchens are off limits until he adresses us with more respect and learns to obey commands. He's probably eating our house into bankruptcy.

>>24266491

From now on, every time someone sees him fighting in a manner we deem barbaric, he is to go without food for a day.

>>24266531
His square, piggy face scowls briefly at his command and you feel like he's going to burst into another rant or maybe even lash out at you... But thankfully, he just groans in pain as Maester Llelewyn interrupts with a well-timed jerk of a needle, while stitching the wound. He even gives the boy an apologetic smile.
"Fine. Whatever."

>>24266578
I'll wait for agreement on that one.

>>24266578
>>24266609
I'd say going without food until he changes his tone is enough for the moment.

>>24266491
"Action. Yes. I killed several boys just like you today. Thinner than you, it may be, but just as pigheaded. I took their heads at Wetrock where you like to piss from the crenelations when you go out riding. One stroke for each of them, right at the base of the neck. When you're older and have a steadier hand I'll show you how to do it.

"'The man that passes the sentence should swing the sword'. Some Northern lord told me that in the burning ruins of King's Landing, and he had the right of it. Whether you like it or not you are a Harrock and you will carry yourself like one. One man I do remember is Stannis Baratheon, now the Lord of Dragonstone. He is just and hard as castelforged iron. You are too old to begin to squire, aye, but I'd wager you could learn from him as his ward out with the Narrow Sea all about you.

"Fists are a fool's weapon. You did not kill that man, don't think any different. If you do not learn more respect then you will be no more than a fool. If you give me more trouble I'll have Maester Llewelyn here send a raven to Dragonstone to see if Lord Stannis wants a new ward to join him at the end of the world. Do not taunt your father, boy."

>>24266491
well well, what an upstart little faggot we have on our hands.

>>24266578
Our first lesson should be in the sparring yard. We have him fight with his fists against our sword.

I think it's time we spoke to our sworn swords and fix the problems with our ranger patrols as well as discussing preparations for our planned campaigns against the mountain clans. Then for some dinner with our wife and daughter. Time with our daughter should contrast the unpleasantness with our son.

>>24266580
You will be much more than this son. I'll make sure you will.

>>24266580
This land is hard, we need to be harder, and use every tool at our disposal as well, you'll learn that if I have to live till the Eyrie sinks into the ocean to teach it to you, but I am proud of you too boy, you never back down from a fight or battle, and you don't let anything stand in your way.

See your Mother when you're done here, I'm sure she'll want to fuss over you for a bit.

>>24266668
This. I think we've made our point to him. Let's go have dinner with our wife and daughter and then meet with the sworn swords.

>>24266668
This. We're gonna hit him hard with wooden swords to teach him.

>>24266668
I second this. Make him learn the hard and painful way why men carry swords.

On second thought, since the lad is disdainful of swords and so fond of clobbering things, we should have someone teach him in the way of the warhammer.

>>24266720
No. He'll learn the way of the sword and inherit Ambition.

>>24266491

What we need is a hard as steel master of arms that could break the boy and reforged him into a soldier or better yet a knight( the later could be more difficult but I could be more than happy with the former.) How old is he? Is he too old to foster him at Runestone? Yohn Royce could be the perfect man to beat the unruliness out of him.

>>24266720
I was kind of thinking that myself, hell with his strength he'd be a natural at using one.

>>24266736
We should do this ourselves. We need to bond with our son or else the faggot is gonna backstab us.

>>24266736
He's 15. I'm lobbying for sending him to Stannis. Seeing the world beyond these mountains would do well for him. Having the Mannis as a father figure would too.

>>24266735
if he becomes lord he'll inherit ambition regardless, that doesn't mean he actually needs to use it in battle.

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>>24266720
warhammers are for fags, real knights use polearms.

>>24266735
but a valyrian sword is a pretty big thing for a family and if he is to inherit it he should atleast be competent with its use.

Not a bad idea at all.


I support this, or if Stannis unavaidable, some remote House in the North.

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>>24266778
They're all the rage.

>>24266754

Send the lout off. If he won't respect us, he will respect Westerosi Judge Dredd.

>>24266754

Stannis is way up the ladder to even notice us, Yohn Royce closer physically and politically.

>>24266797
>>24266809
I still think we should spend time with him training him ourselves so the kid has a higher affection towards us.

>>24266754

>>24266797

Linking. My phone sure is a piece of shit.

>>24266809

You are supposed to send children to foster pretty far away, actually. As Stannis has no children, he is actually an excellent candidate.

>>24266809
Stannis' situation seems such that he'd accept any able bodied man though, (not that I've ever read any of the books or watched the series)

>>24266769
This. It is the family heirloom. It doesn't mean he has to use it. The boy is a brawler, not a fencer, and he never will be.

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>>24266752
Good idea. We have enough backstabbers in our family, no need to make our son into one as well. If, after that, he will not be tamed, then Stannis, as said by >>24266754, might work.

>>24266639
His response is a bitter, angry stare.
>>24266646
"I'm alreadying squiring for Ser Morys, the old..."
He hesitates, deciding not to be that disrespectful. Not after upsetting you so much already. His mood settles down, less disrespectful and more depressed. There's at least a hint of regret there now. That's something you can work with.
"I'll stay here. I'll do what I can but I don't think you're gonna be happy. You'll never be happy with a son like me, Artys. I figured that out a long time ago. Maybe you'll figure it out soon too."
>>24266736
He's fifteen.
>>24266693
>>24266668
For now, you leave your son be. You inform him that you'll be sparing with him in the morning and make your exit, leaving Maester Llelewyn to tend to him.

In your family's personal chambers you settle down for a rather plain meal, the most luxury your family can afford. Various cheeses, dates and bread, as well as some mutton. You'd be happier with less but just because you can live happily with hardship, it doesn't mean you force your wife and daughter to endure the same. As usual, you eat and drink in silence.

Unless there's something in particular you would like to discuss?

>>24266752
seconding this. He is our son and the continuation of our house. We should personally try to sort him out before sending him to another lord of another house.

>>24266897

This may be the time to run that marriage compact by them, you know, the one we have been mulling over since last thread.

I'll let you guys discuss the possibility of fostering the boy elsewhere if you like, although he's almost a man - he'd only be with them for a few years at most, if that's enough to change him.

But it's a serious decision, so I shan't do it just yet.

>>24266897
Ask our wife how her day was, pretend to care.

>>24266897
Have a small family moment, as out of place as that is for us, and ask our daughter and our wife how their days have been. Try not to talk about our raid, that isn't for a child's ears.

>>24266897
I'll settle with that.

Let's ask our daughter how her studies are coming along. What has she been learning? Is there anything she'd like to do (go falconing, riding, whatever. We should have at least one happy child).

>>24266957
I vote on correcting him ourselves. We need desperately to connect with the kid before he goes rogue and tries to kill us so he can get his lordship.

>>24266897

I have one question why is it that we don't get along with our wife? I mean I am not talking about loving her but making the life pleasant to each other could be better.

>>24266980

We should attempt to mend things with the life, especially as we wish to forge stronger ties to Manderley.

>>24266897
small talk with the daughter. Gotta bond with her.

>>24266957
I vote for not sending him away. As you yourself said he's a tad old for it and I don't trust other lords with our heir.

>>24266954
Good idea.

>>24266957
I agree with >>24266992.

>>24266954
Ah, yes.

For those who weren't present last thread, you discussed with your uncle the possibility of marrying off Brock Harrock to Lorenna Egen, the daughter of the Lord Loras Egen, who is your neighbour to the East. This would allow you to forge an alliance with them and perhaps create a combined force against the trading powerhouse of House Belmore.

Do you wish to go ahead and discuss this, or did you mean something else?

>>24266992
Seconding this. If he doesn't straighten out soon, though, we'll have to take more drastic measures. We should not stand to have a mad dog for an heir.

>>24267029
Hmm... Allies are good, but I don't know if Brock would comply to that being the huge faggot that he is. I say we pospone the marrying until we correct his manners and then we'll think about it.

At his current estate if he opens his mouth not only would've lost an ally but we would surely make an enemy.

>>24267029
casually bring up the subject of marriage and the possibility of the pairing to gauge her opinion of it. Start with small talk top lighten the atmosphere first. Ask about studies or something

>>24266998
Generally a lack of attention. You do your own work for the household, she does her own. There is little that requires you to both be present at once or to cooperate. As such, you've always been fairly distant from each other to the point where intimacy or affection is quite alien.

>>24267029

You remember correctly.

Hell, maybe that will even help with the Brock situation. Is he hits his wife, he won't hit others as often.

>>24267068
disregard this. I misunderstood the situation

>>24267069
We need to rectify this - we need to become closer with our wife, if we are to promote a happier family, and sire more children.

>>24267029
I'm hesitant to marry away our daughter, as she is a much better heir than fatpants mcstabpiglet.

>>24267104
Agreed. We need stronger family bonds, BILL COSBY MODE ENGAGED!

>>24267145

Good thing it's Brock getting married, then.

>>24267145
I laughed at this harder than I should have.

>>24267104
Alternatively, we could just fuck barwenches and legitimize bastards if our son continues to be fat and useless.

>>24267145
Lord Hamington will be a good heir once we've spanked his ass every day with a smile on our face.

>>24267104

Yeah, make the effort to be more pleasant to her, some flowers and maybe a visit to the goldsmith also less hateful looks the lady has done his duty as a mother. Might time we do our duty as a father and husband and not only as a lord.

>>24267166
Oh tits, I misread. Sorry.

>>24267175
our house has back experience with bastards. I don't think making any more will help us.

>>24267145
>fatpants mcstabpiglet
Holy shit, my sides have flown all the way across the Narrow Sea and hit Dany in the vagina.

>>24267209
I agree, and the rest of our house might not even follow a bastard, even if we did legitimise him. I say we go for >>24267199

>>24267068
>>24267061
>>24267013
>>24267007
>>24266984
>>24266980
>>24266974
Your wife is a little startled by your discussion and your actual interest in their days, but she plays along. It was most just teaching Katrin and the other young girls of the household how to sew, to read and the general principles of etiquette. Your daughter seems to be quite enthusiastic and happy about the whole affair. She's a sweet child, if a bit trusting and naive about the world. She has never known anything outside of House Harrock, living a rather isolated lifestyle in the mountain stronghold and knowing Deyya, she probably wishes to maintain that innocence for as long as she can. Your wife has a habit of spoiling Katrin.

After this small talk, you bring up the possibility of this marriage between Brock and Lorenna Egen - Deyya thinks it might be good for the lad, a woman in his life might temper his attitude. Of course, little Katrin finds the idea terribly romantic as little girls tend to do. She's thirteen - in but a year, she'll be ready to be married off as well.

Anything else before you go to speak with your sworn swords, then rest?

>>24267029
Just for the record, can we get some more background information on this Lorenna? I'm speaking purely of her personality and physical traits. Clearly, interbreeding with a Manderly was a bad decision for the family genepool. I'm hoping we can avoid another similar situation.

>>24267264
Nothing. Just having some quality time with family and enjoying ourselves while doing so, and then off to the war-talk.

>>24267264
Let's ask Deyya what she would think about inviting her family to a tourney sometime in the near future. Would they even be interested?

>>24267312
Sound good.

>>24267292
That'd be useful, so we know more about our potential daughter-in-law.

>>24267326
>Would they be capable of fitting through their own castle gates?

>>24267364
Not in so many words.

>>24267292
House Egen has a reputation for stubbornness, pride and selfishness. They're an unremarkable house, but loyal to House Arryn. You've never met Lord Loras since you became the head of your house so you don't really have a good perspective of the man. Nor have you heard much about the girl herself, other than the fact that she exists.

Be back in a bit guys, making a coffee run.

>>24267379
It might be worth going there ourselves, or sending our uncle, to discuss the possibility with Lord Loras, and to see what this girl is like.

>>24267326
She seems torn between telling the truth and speaking kindly of her family - but she's always been an honest woman, with little skill when it comes to lying.
"I'm afraid that my brother is very busy with his duties... Perhaps he might send one of his sons however. It is the least that Wyman could do for his brother-in-law."

>>24267379
We send a raven out to this Lord Loras, inviting him to a feast at our castle. We kiss some ass, and at the feast we can take a proper look at the daughter.

Money will be tight to host such a thing, but it is an investment. We should not marry blindly into another house. What if Lorenna is thouroughly unsuitable for the future of our house?

>>24267488
We were saving up for that feast weren't we? We didn't have enough manee.

>>24267445

"Would you like to see him?"

>>24267504
Yea, we're saving up for this at the moment. If we clear our lands of bandits too, it'll make us look stronger, and so a better match.

>>24267519
Aye, if the wife would like to see him, invite him. It'll make us look like we do care about her.

>>24267488
This was brought up in the previous thread:

You're perfect able to host a feast if you desire, but you're in a very tough economical situation. You have a choice between spending 5 Wealth on a feast (which you currently lack, with 0 Wealth at the moment) or you could reduce your next House Fortune roll by 5 for the next month (which drastically increases your House's chance of bad events in the future. Alternatively, you could take a loan from Wyman Manderly or the Iron Bank of Braavos. Wyman is likely to offer better rates, but the Iron Bank is likely to offer... well, more.

>>24267566
We'll save up, there's no need to rush that.

>>24267519
"Of course, this sounds like a wonderful idea - it has been so long since our houses have met."
Not once since the wedding day, which was a drab and dull affair. Still, at least your wife seems to approve. She's even smiling, which isn't unpleasant to look at.

Would you like to move on to your sworn swords?

>>24267597
Yes please.

>>24267566

Lets not go crazy with loans just yet better clean out our lands from trouble and get some coin in our coffers before we spend money we don't have.

>>24267597
OH SHIT, we got a smile. We're getting sexed tonight.

>>24267584
>>24267531
Would there be an alternative way of catching a glimpse of this elusive bride to be before we have the prerequisite dosh to host a feast?

>>24267630
If we go instead of hosting it... But still, have you seen our son? If we show him in public we're gonna get fucked. Try to pace things guys, stop being in such a rush.

>>24267630
Maybe a simple visit to negotiate a possible marriage would suffice? Houses don't need feasts to interact.

>>24267597
Yea, but give our wife and daughter a kiss each before we go, to show that we do remember our responsibilities as a father as much as those of being a lord.

>>24267614
Yea, I think we should clear out our own lands of the clans first, get our economy going, before we start taking out loans, if only to make it easier for us to pay the loans off again.

>>24267627
We can hope. Hopefully Descartes, one of the Seven, is smiling on us also.

>>24267630
We could visit them to discuss the idea in person, or visit them under the guise of talking about trade.

GUYS PRIORITIES, first getting our son presentable, then marrying.

>>24267531
>>24267584

So we set our lands in order first, drive the clans out and begin that resettling plan we have in the last thread. Then we have the money to play politics.

I like the idea of visiting under the guise of trade and discussing our actions against the clansmen. That way we can get a glimpse of Lord Loras's personality and how suitable his daughter would be as a wife without committing to anything.

>>24267738
Pretty much this.

>>24267627
Not quite. You do, however, earn a kiss on the cheek from your wife shortly after dinner has ended.
"Thank you for caring, Artys... Or pretending to, at least. Our daughter looks up to you, she enjoys the few conversations she has with you."
>>24267606
You return to the cold, dark feast hall. A large, stony hall where your voices seem muffled and drowned out by just how ominous and austere the room is. Not only that, but it's easy to spy any servants walking by who might eavesdrop. The perfect place to have a private conversation. You meet your uncle and your three sworn swords in candle-light - Alric Harrock, Ser Morys, Ser Tenry and Ser Boros.

What would you like to discuss?

>>24267735
He looks like a Manderly, people will think he has money. Or food. He's a slam dunk groom.

>>24267748
Okay, this is much more acceptable. Scouting I like, going full throttle with the marriage without having shit to offer sounds dumb.

>>24267768
And he has a fucking potty-mouth that will get us in trouble. We shouldn't try this until we earn his respect, we earn money or we have something to leverage.

>>24267776
CK2 is a horrible way to learn how to manage a medieval realm.

>>24267761
The situation with the ranger patrols, followed by plans to harry some clans northward while wiping out others as a cover.

We should also ask for estimates on costs for surveyors specializing in founding new mines.

We only have mountains for our territory, it's about damn time we tear from the earth our due.

>>24267738
Yup!

>>24267776
I approve of this too.

>>24267761
We need to discuss the patrol issues with the rangers, further training for the garrisons and archers, and whether they found a camp where the prisoners said there was one.

>>24267838
Let's go with this too.

>>24267821
It is.

>>24267860
Still a fun game though.

>>24267873
Yup, that too.

>>24267838
Regarding the ranger patrols, Ser Tenry accepts full responsibility for that. He looks slightly guilty even as he says it, although he tries to excuse himself - it was difficult for him to adapt to how limited our forces were after Robert's Rebellion. Instead of eight hundred rangers, we were left with barely two hundred. While it is easier to manage, it is difficult to cover all of the holes in our territory's defences with so few soldiers. He promises to correct his mistakes.

Regarding harrying the Milk Snakes Northwards, it's a difficult idea. The rangers have reported back from scouting under the cover of night and it seems like the clansman with the braided beard was more accurate than the others - there are almost eight hundred of the savages there. It would be difficult to herd that many savages in any direction and not only that, but you'd need to chase them across your territory, across the river Westflow from South to North. It'd cause chaos throughout your lands and is almost impossible - and right now, you just don't have enough soldiers for it.

As for surveying costs and building a new mine, we'd need to expand to one of the other mountain ranges (either South or North-West, costs 9 Land) and then there's the expenses of building a new mine (10 Wealth).

However, there are a few available territories at the edge of your current domain that you could invest in, as Alric informs you. Would you like to know more?

>>24268027
Sure, no harm in knowing about the extra land.

>>24268027
And alternatively, you could invest further in your current mine to turn it into a highly efficient mining complex - but that's extremely expensive (20 Wealth).

>>24268027
Of coursh.

>>24268027

Ask Ser Tenry about the possibility of using the Rangers to harrass the mountain clans in their camps

I think if we're going to grab prisoners we also need to see about employing a Bailiff at some point - our very own Master of Laws if you will.

I'd also like to know about the available land

>>24268027
Are there any other non-mine land improvements which we could invest in?

>>24268027
Given our reliance on trade and the river in our territory I take it we have a river port? If so we should ask about expanding it into a small village. If we build some fishing boats and get some goats we could become more self reliant in regards to food.
And more people means more levies if we need them.

>>24268079
Your current land:

WESTPASS:
Your territory is surrounded by mountains - but to the West, a crude road slices through the range and leads straight to your castle, where the road splits. One follows the range North to Strongsong and the other leads to Crown Crag, the home of House Egen, curving around the Westflow in the process. This domain contains High Harrock and Skycliff.
WESTFLOW HEADWATER:
At the very South-Western edge of your territory, water pours down in a raging torrent and creates the Westflow, a vast river that flows North-East and splits your territory in two. On either side, this river is surrounded by wetland, which is barely fertile enough for a crude level of farming. This domain contains Wetrock.

However, there are some areas that you haven't invested in yet. It's very difficult, due to all of the Clansmen swarming over your territory. These are the following:

>>24268423
WESTPASS:
Bleakfaith Ruins
Bleakfaith is an old tower built over a thousand years ago by House Belmore, on the Northern side of Westpass when they sought to encroach upon and claim your land for their own. After their attempt to seize the land failed, the tower fell into disuse and was abandoned. Bandits and clansmen often frequent the ruins.
Costs 5 Land
Provides 3 Defence and -3 Law. Enables construction of a Tower at this location for 5 Defence.

WESTFLOW SOURCE:
Northmarsh Fields
On the very Northern edge at your territory, there is a fertile field. While it could potentially be a very profitable location and would be a perfect place for farming, House Belmore might look unkindly upon you claiming a spot so close to their land.
Costs 1 Land
Provides 3 Population, 1 Wealth and -1 Law.
---
Blackpitch Woods
A small cluster of trees to the very South of your territories, very close to where you expect the Milk Snakes are hiding. It's a chaotic, unlawful place that's frequently raided. Otherwise you would've already used it for lumber production, which would decrease your need for trade with House Egen.
Costs 3 Land
Provides 3 Wealth and -3 Law.
---
Grosspike Landing
On the opposite side of the Westflow from Northmarsh, Grosspike Landing is the perfect location to build a port. The only issue is the expense of the port - is it truly worth the cost?
Costs 3 Land
Provides 1 Population, 1 Wealth and -1 Law. Enables port construction at this location.

At this moment in time, you have 1 Land available to spend.

>>24268449
>WESTFLOW SOURCE:
>Northmarsh Fields
>On the very Northern edge at your territory, there is a fertile field. While it could potentially be a very profitable location and would be a perfect place for farming, House Belmore might look unkindly upon you claiming a spot so close to their land.
>Costs 1 Land
>Provides 3 Population, 1 Wealth and -1 Law.
Should we?

>>24268250
You currently do not have a river port. You are reliant on the ports of Belmore to the North - and they are reliant on Westpass if they desire to trade with anyone West of the Vale.

You've got a few business arrangements with them but really, they have the upper hand.

>>24268449
Clearly the Northmarsh Fields are the best option.

I worry about antagonizing House Belmore when our house is so weak, though.

>>24268513
Yeah, let's save that 1 land.

>>24268230
Right now, there are no Wealth investments you meet the prerequisites for, unless you would like another Artisan - which costs 10 Wealth. And you have 0 Wealth right now.

You could invest Defence into building fortifications - but you have 0 Wealth right now.
You could invest Power into building armies - but you have 0 Power right now.

You gain these resources through achieving certain things in your territory (like getting rid of clansmen) or at the end of each month, where you can roll your House Fortune (a bad roll can cost you these resources).

>>24268449
I say we start raiding the Milk Snakes. Sending our rangers out at night to take prisoners, set fire to their camps, comb the forest of game. Make it inhospitable for them while not directly fighting them. Baby steps.

>>24264948
Bolton... shame? what are these two words doing in the same sentence with out the word no before shame?

>>24268557
>You could invest Defence into building fortifications - but you have 0 Defence right now.

Correction.

>>24268561

I agree with this

>>24268475
I support it. The fields are within our holdings after all, if on the edge of them.

Also, the fast-pace of the Westflow river would make it the ideal location for a large water mill complex; with which we might be able to help jump-start local industry with water power.

>>24268596
>>24268475
I can get behind this. It's our land, not theirs. And if we can get a water mill going the sky's the limit for how well we could start developing things.

>>24268561
Best option so far. We can't do anything else
>>24268596
We could piss off the Belmore, if we wanna do that we should save that move until we have something to answer that. Either be better friends with them or with another person.

>>24268178
>>24268561
Ser Tenry bows.
"I'll arrange it immediately, m'lord. We'll begin to harass them starting tomorrow. Hopefully this should keep the savages on their arses and prevent them from raiding our territory, if you excuse my language."

What else are you interested in?

>>24268632
Nothing else. I think we sorted out everything.

>>24268620
I'm disinclined to piss off house Belmore unless we either have the backing of another house, or until we have the savages under control.

>>24268673
Fair enough. Let's wait until the talks with House Egen are concluded then.

I say we get started on those fields. We need something to generate some wealth. And they are our lands. If the Belmores get mad, I'm sure we could weasel our wait out.

>>24268673
>>24268626
>>24268620
>>24268596
>>24268538
>>24268513
>>24268475
I'll hold off on investing the land for now, since you seem so divided.

>>24268626
The problem with that is, to make close allies we need wealth, and to gain wealth we need more productive land, land which we need allies to take and hold. Self-defeating cycle.

What would the water mill complex cost?

>>24268632

Have the sworn swords train our military while the rangers campaign is going on - they might attack us like cornered animals and we need to be prepared

>>24268661
Very well then.

Is there anything you wish to do before you sleep and you end your first day?

>>24268700
Ser Morys bows.
"I'll get on that right away, m'lord. Our archers need practice, I'll ensure that they get it."

>>24268707
This is kind of a stupid question, but have we cleaned our sword?

>>24268696
We still can conduct trade interviews with people and have some diplomatic mingle around to earn more allies.

And if that fails, when we forge our sturdy heir, we can marry him to a house and bond a solid aliance.

>>24268696
We could get our hands on some wealth by getting rid of the mountain clans, then we can invest in industry without going into debt.

>>24268707
How about some small talk with our wife to keep the smile from before. Tell her a little bit about our day and keep her entertained before sleeping. Also if she seems in the mood, having a couple babies in the making wouldn't hurt us.

>>24268733
Yes. Nothing wrong with being meticulous though.

>>24268707

Write to House Egan, enquiring about the availability of their daughter

>>24268707
Sleep and sex the wife, more heirs are always good.

>>24268772
Let's give it a good polishing before bed while mulling over how to approach House Egen.

>>24268775
This. She smiled at us. Give her the dick.

I say we sleep. We had an eventful first day.

Swing by our daughter and say goodnight. Then perform marital duties before going to sleep.

>>24268810
Nothing can go wrong with that thought process.

>>24268775
ahh yea pound that pussy like we're fresh out of jail

>>24268774
Maester Llelewyn is busy tending to the boy - you'll arrange for that in the morning.
>>24268792
Seizing a moment of peace, you focus on the dull, repetitive activity of cleaning and maintaining your sword. Technically it isn't needed, as the blade is of Valyrian steel and it will never rust or become dull. However, you maintain your routines no matter what. The last thing you desire is to fall into bad habits.
>>24268844
You go to say goodnight to your daughter, only to find the darling girl asleep. You decide not to disturb her rest.
>>24268775
>>24268763
You retire to your chamber where your wife is preparing to sleep. You quietly chatter about little things, frivolous things that are usually above your attention. She's a little bemused by the whole affair and uncertain regarding how to react - she's used to a cold man with little interest in her. However, she's hardly in the mood for procreation and it doesn't take long for the two of you to say your good nights and fall into sweet slumber. At least it's been a good day.

Waking up shortly before dawn, you leave your bed to perform your morning rituals and prepare for the day ahead. In your head, you count the things that you need to do.
>Spar with Brock, show him how to fight properly.
>Send a raven to House Egen, requesting a visit to their household so that you may discuss the possibility of trade.
>Send a raven to House Manderly, asking whether they would be willing to attend a feast that you are planning on hosting.
>Anything else?

>>24268632
What does law invest into? I ask because we have some, and it sounds like something we could use for stability which in turn would increase wealth.

>>24268942
Send the ravens first, and then to the sparring grounds!

>>24268957
Law and Population do not invest into anything - they are simply used to modify your House Fortune roll.

>>24268957
Better tax/tithe collecting?

>>24268942
Send the ravens to Egen and Manderly, and then attend to the matter with our son.

>>24268942
Sparring with Brock first.

The two letters by raven can be done at the same time when we visit the master after sparring.

>>24268942

Send the ravens and then spar

>>24268942
We may need to meet with our rangers to see if they discovered anything in the night.

>>24268981
Alright then

.>>24268942
Invite our wife and daughter to join us when we spar with Brock, we can have a meal together afterwards, we don't have to be close but we do need to remind each other that we're in this together.

>>24269043
No, don't invite them. We need to show that we have time for Brock and Brock alone.

We should try to work on getting a new son. That way if Brock doesn't shapen up we can send him to the wall

>>24269173
Fat tits didn't put out last night. We must coo her some more with fine cheeses.

>>24269173
We're already doing that.

>>24269184
Does she not know the future of our house is at stake?

>>24269043
the intention of sparring is that we beat some sense into him. It will be humiliating enough, there is no need to have them watching.