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

In addition, Page has started up his own Game of Thrones quest again. I suggest you read the adventures of Lord William Bordain for yourself. It predates the Quest of House Harrock and to be frank, if you like this quest, then you'll love Page's take on GoT.
>archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/24908691

And finally, there will not be any game on Monday – the next episode will commence next Friday. Real life is cutting into the time I have available for this quest and it might change the timetable – but I promise, I refuse to finish this quest until we've reached a suitable stopping point.

>>25016399

>Is anyone interested in continuing?

do you even have to ask?

Fuck yea, Harrock Quest.

Lord Karban, Bordain and Artys harrock walk into a bar


What happens

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>Is anyone interested in continuing?

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>>25016415
Yes, always.
>>25016427
Two people is enough to start with. Hopefully momentum will gather and this quest will start rolling.

A collection of important characters, for those who like the little details. This has recently been updated:
>http://pastebin.com/wbb0aWtG

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Westpass. This is your land, your territory, your home. It's a harsh and unforgiving place, sparsely populated by evergreens and hardy shrubs. It's a steep valley filled with sudden falls, treacherous cliffs and unexpected gutters and furrows. Anyone who lives in this part of the Vale of Arryn quickly learns to walk softly and with great care.

Splitting Westpass in half is a great river just as unimaginatively named, the Westflow. Born from a great sheet of water that descends from the mountains, the small stream quickly transforms into a great raging current, with many muddy little rills and brooks contributing to its size. Despite the dangerous pace at which it flows, there are a few safe places where the river can be forded.

Clinging to the mountains on either side of the Westflow, the road for which the region is named winds and bends, a well-worn path of gravel and dirt that it is your duty to protect and maintain. One of the few routes in and out of the Vale, many merchants use the Westpass for their trade routes for a certain fee. To the North, the road leads to Strongsong. To the East, the road leads to Crown Crag.

Finally, there are the great structures of Westpass. The hub of civilisation is High Harrock, a grim and foreboding structure that brings comfort to the inhabitants of the region as the sole provider of protection, boasting an iron mine and great solid stone walls. Then there are the two towers that guard it; Skycliff built amongst the peaks and Wetrock built upon a solid stone foundation beside the Westflow.

But what about the people who live here? There are a few thousand smallfolk scattered throughout the land, in huts and hovels that dot the rocky landscape. It's a hard life but honest life, where they harvest and farm what they can, whenever they can. Some keep herds of hardy mountain goats for their meat and milk, while others farm lettuces, berries and edible ferns.

This is your land and these are your people. Treat them well.

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>>25016524
Again, the air is filled with the glorious smell of roasting meat and exotic aromas. Although nobility and knights alike are crowded about the table, there seem to be less of them than before – clearly some of the guests were not interested in the matter of etiquette and enjoying their host's hospitality. Suits of armour have been replaced with velvet doublets and satin tunics as the lords go about socialising, making friends and enemies alike.

You can speak with up to two people before the feast ends. Choose carefully.

>Your wife is currently chattering away happily with Lord Yohn Royce, introducing your sweet daughter and your boy Brock to him and his son. There's much laughter and pleasant conversation going about, as the good lord is a friendly enough person. You only hope that Katrin makes a good enough impression for a betrothal to be plausible.
>Lord Benedar Belmore is having a hushed conversation with your ally, Lord Loras Egen, with his daughter at his side. Lorenna looks thoroughly disinterested in the conversation and even the ever-smiling, eternally foppish Loras has a frown on his face, while the fat ginger Belmore carries a calm smile on his.
>An injured man you recognise as Lord Lyonel Corbray has joined the feast, much to the applause of many knights and lords. The lord with the serpent-covered doublet is there, as is Alesandor Saul, both comforting and conversing with the defeated man.
>Ser Lyn sits a short distance away from his brother with an awkward expression on his handsome face, murmuring with the bloody-haired Palfrey Badics.
>The hedge knights are all sitting quite solemnly around their side of the table, their numbers reduced to three; Ser Banton, Ser Crabnot and Lady Delayis, all of their nursing the injured bodies and injured egos as they eat their meals in grim, uncomfortable silence.

>>25016410
>And finally, there will not be any game on Monday – the next episode will commence next Friday.

That's a shame, this quest makes my week really. Hope you won't stop it any time soon, Plasma, because this quest is one of the best ones running at the moment.

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Let's do this thing.

Also, I checked out Iron and Hate last week on your recommendation. It is awesome.

>>25016538
I think we should chat with Lord Saul again, he seemed to be very well informed of the goings on of the Vale. Then we should talk to either Egen, Badics or Royce.

>>25016564
>Good. He deserves the interest.
>>25016563
>When it stops in the distant future, it will be at a satisfying point that makes sense. I don't want to cut this off half-way through.

>>25016538
>Lord Benedar Belmore is having a hushed conversation with your ally, Lord Loras Egen
We don't want to be left in the dark. We suspect one of trying something against us, we know the other one is.

>An injured man you recognise as Lord Lyonel Corbray has joined the feast,
Go speak to him, make sure there are no hard feelings. Congratulate him on playing through the pain the way he did.

>>25016564
Where did you get that map from?

>>25016666
>>25016624
One person at a time.

Which group do you wish to approach first?

>>25016681
From Iron and Hate Quest.

>>25016666
We need to get Brock and Egen's daughter engaged, before Belmore sweeps in with his son.

>>25016708
>Lord Benedar Belmore and Lord Loras Egen
First

>Lord Lyonel Corbray
Second

>>25016724
Which days is that on, might give it a look.

Let's go talk to Lord Egen first.

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>>25016817
I think the next one is tomorrow.

>>25016867
Cheers, been wondering if more GoT quests would start up.

>>25016767
Second this.

>>25016767
>>25016758
>>25016817
Approaching Lord Egen and Lord Belmore, you're surprised to find that it's Loras who notices you first. The colourfully dressed fellow turns to face you, cutting off his conversation with Lord Benedar Belmore to offer a deep and sincere bow.

"Ah, Lord Harrock! Forgive me, I was just enjoying a pleasant conversation with the most honourable Lord Belmore. Isn't this a spectacular tournament that he has hosted? The wine, the food, even the quality of the music! Did you know that Strongsong contains some of the finest bellmakers West of the Narrow Sea? I was considering having one commissioned for my land's sept. It is such a beautiful sound that they make, don't you agree, Lord Belmore?"
Perturbed and put-off by the rambling idiocy of the Egen lord, Benedar simply nodded along and focused his attention on you, dismissing the foppish fool from his mind for the time being. Your obese ginger rival opens his mouth to speak.
"It's my pleasure to welcome you to this humble town and tournament of mine, Lord Harrock - or should I call you Hangman, as the merchants do? I do hope you find this feast to your satisfaction. If there is anything you need, do let me know - otherwise I have much to discuss with Lord Egen on the matter of... bells."

>>25017010
That isn't suspicious at all... something is up here.

We definitely need to get our offer of Brock and his daughter in quick. They're planning something.

>>25017010
>"It's my pleasure to welcome you to this humble town and tournament of mine,
"Why thank you. Your hospitality has been so wonderful, it has felt like coming Home."

Make polite chit-chat. Dismiss our nick name with a small laugh, just a silly thing the smallfolk thought up. Ect.

From the way Egen latched onto us and started blabbering like that, Belmore must have been pushing for something he didn't like.
When we have privacy, ask him about it.

>>25017010
Okay Egens idiocy has to be a deep and clever cover, it has to be. I would like to continue on the conversation of bells until Belmore explodes from frustration.

>>25017129
Yea, and not sure what we should say to Belmore. We don't want to give up too much info to our rivals.

>>25017129
>>25017222
To me it sounding like he was latching onto us to save himself.

Grateful for a chance to change the topic of conversation.

We'll learn more if we can.

am I the only one that likes to sing along to the game of thrones intro using only the word "nigger"?

>>25017222
The same sort of cover that Boris Johnson has - looks stupid, is actually pretty clever.

I think he's trying to get out of the conversation, we need to extract him after making polite small talk to Belmore.

>>25017270
>>25017331
Yea, let's change the subject, and try to get Egen out of that conversation.

>>25017270
>>25017267
>>25017222
>>25017221
>>25017129
The remark about home is enough to cause Lord Belmore's face to shift into a fat frown. Opening his mouth to offer a barbed retort of his own, he's quickly cut off by Lord Egen.

"Truly, the good Lord Belmore's hospitality is enough to make any place feel like home, from the highest castle to the lowliest hovel! Not that Grimarbour is a hovel by any respect, not at all! It's a place of grandeur and mercantile excellence, rivalled only by Gulltown. My condolences regarding your defeat, Lord Harrock; I cringed when I saw the lance strike, I could have never taken such a blow and even hope to survive it! Some of us make better warriors than others, no?"

The idle banter drags on and on with the interjections of Benedar Belmore cut off every time by the faux-Braavosi fool and his rambling. Eventually more company joins your conversation in the form of Alesandor Saul, a smile on the humble lord's features. He joins the conversation and eventually they are two main speakers, chattering away to each other about the lord's hospitality, about the jousting, about the daughter of Egen and her startling eyes. Meanwhile you and Benedar share a cold stare of disdain with one another, with Lorenna standing off into the side in awkward, almost shy disinterest. Eventually, the fiery-haired fat man speaks.
"While this has been a pleasant conversation, I have many responsibilities to tend to. I hope to speak with you later."
Striding away from the four of you, you're left alone with the two other lords and the half-Braavosi daughter, who you notice is glaring daggers at the back of Lord Benedar. But not as bitterly and angrily as she stares at you, once she notices you looking in her direction.

"Forgive me for Lord Belmore's behaviour, Lord Harrock. He's hardly the most social of lords; I dare say that is as much of an advantage as it is a flaw. So, how may my daughter and I help you?"

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>>25016564
>Also, my own little edit so that people can identity what belongs to who.

>>25017530
We just saw you talking to Belmore, and thought you might need a friend to help. What was he after?

Thank you, though, for your kind words, I was surprised I survived the hit myself.

I was wondering if we could discuss the idea you mooted previously, back at your lovely home, in private?

>>25017530
>glaring daggers at the back of Lord Benedar. But not as bitterly and angrily as she stares at you
We'll ask Brock to talk to the girl later, she might open up to him again.
We'll ask her father about it later when we have a moment of privacy.

>So, how may my daughter and I help you?
"By providing me with conversation to take my mind of these dammed bruises." *small laugh* "Have you met the Lord Saul, I had the pleasure yesterday?"

Just make chit-chat, ask him what he's being doing. Maybe he'll drop something of worth into the conversation.

>>25017530

Let's step away from his daughter for a moment and tell him we've noticed Brock and Lorenna have been spending quite a lot of time together. Tell him they seem to be getting along rather well.

We need to put the idea of the marriage we want into his head.

>>25017644
"Oh, simply the matter of our children. His son Cador is unmarried, as is his brother Marwyn and my daughter Lorenna is of a ripe age, aren't you my dear?"
Cold, dead silence.
"In any case, I shall need to discuss his offers in detail at a later date, even if it is just to appease him. Lord Belmore is a proud man and I feel no need to attract his ire any more than I must. Perhaps you should consider a betrothal of your own? Your daughter is such a treasure, I am sure that the good Lord Belmore would only ask for a small dowry in exchange. Katrin is her name, yes? Such a sweet girl."
You're unsure whether he is being serious or simply appeasing whatever audience may be listening to the conversation.
>>25017745
This time, it is Alesandor Saul who speaks.
"Oh, I first met Lord Loras shortly after his arrival in his town. He is exceptional company, always with something to speak of and full of knowledge of Essos and beyond. A wise and charismatic man indeed; I believe you mentioned an alliance between your houses, Lord Loras? It is rare for two houses to form such a bond without it being consummated in marriage."
>>25017833
For the first time ever, Lord Loras Egen is forced to confront the prospect of marriage between the two of your houses. Flustered and uncertain, he is about to speak only to be interrupted by quiet laughter from young Lorenna, as she turns and walks away, leaving the three of you to discuss the matter. The lord's cheeks go scarlet.
"Ah, well... I feel no need to strengthen our alliance with marriage. The bond our houses already share is strong enough, is it not, Lord Harrock? It would be best if your son was given the opportunity to find a more suitable wife and my daughter was given a more suitable husband. While our children may be good friends, I see no need for them to marry - and it might be wise to limit the time that they present with one another. I would so hate for Lorenna to plant a seed of dissent in the mind of your son."

>>25018004
I don't know, they would seem to be a good match in my mind, and as Lord Saul says, a strong alliance is traditionally cemented by marriage. Would you reject such an offer, Loras?

>>25018004

Aw shit son just got home from work. Shame to here the next quest isn't until next Friday.

Anyway. I greatly dislike the split and run tactics used here, we help him secure his land, help him rebuild his harbor, and our men are protecting his lands presently. He pretty much owes us his daughters hand in marriage. But alas. It appears not to be as he underhanded as the Braavosi he mimics.

A polite yet curt reply is in order, not one with venom but just enough to let him know he's messed up. I believe our time with Egen is at an end tonight and on a sour note.

>>25018081
Taking in a breath, the colourful fop forces himself to confront the possibility.
"Perhaps a better match would be between my son Alber and your daughter, Katrin? As I mentioned, she is a highly desirable girl, certainly more so than Lorenna. I do not understand why you would wish to waste your son on such a troubled girl. She would care more about her horses and her daydreams that she would about her husband and her duty. And your son... I do not think she would be the best match for your son, Lord Harrock. If you are insist on marrying our two houses through Lorenna and Brock, then we may have to negotiate a deal... Perhaps a bride's-price that you would be willing to pay? I hear it is a popular tradition in Dorne."

>>25018158
I wouldn't go that far, he might just be scared about what Belmore said to him. We should make the offer of Brock and his daughter now.

>>25018180
He wants to sell his daughter's hand? Why is he so reluctant to let her marry Brock? And why is he so bothered about his son marrying Katrin?

>>25018004
From the way he shot that down, it fits with what we thought about him last thread.

He's scared of us and the power we have over his lands. He doesn't want to give us any more influence than we already have.

I figure there are two ways we could deal with this.
Be a Bro: Be a real friend to him and convince him we would be stronger and more prosperous together. Show him we are no threat and make him happy about joining our houses.

Or.

Give him some rope: Keep gaining power and influence over his lands but do nothing to act against him. If he is already this scared of us, it's only a matter of time before he tries something. If we catch him in the act and present Just Cause to the Lord of the Vale, we can just take his lands from him.

Both methods have advantages and risks. Opinions?

>>25018186

After the suggestion of us paying for her I'm going to go with it is that far.

>>25018180
Katrin is far too valuable to waste on him, far far too valuable. We will consider such an offer, and with that be done with Lord Egen for tonight. That's some bullshit.

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>>25018245
We want him to marry his daughter off to this.

>>25018180
"Now is not the time to discuss such matters. Maybe we shall speak of them once the festivities are over."
Now let's leave him. Egen has soured my mood.

>>25018256

I agree quite thoroughly with the latter. We can finish our building project, remove our troops and keep the our recently traded for Mercs in the harbor to keep tabs on things.

Let's be honest. He used us.

>>25018245
Because if our Son marries his Daughter and his son has an 'accident'.....

His lands would fall to house Harrock.

He's scared of us and afraid we will take his lands.

>>25018256
I sort of agree, he is our friend, but he knows how much power we'd get by having our heir as second in line to his lands. We should be bros with him, but we can't waste Katrin's hand on his son, not when we have the chance of getting an alliance through marriage with House Royce.

>>25018338
Which we were planning to do, so we can't blame him for thinking that, really.

>>25018301
"I'd certainly be willing to discuss the details of this at another point, Lord Harrock. Now is a time for much more festive, pleasant discussion. Is there anything else you wish to discuss on that note?"

Off to the side, Lord Saul is simply smiling serenely and listening, absorbing every word uttered between the two of you and every reaction that you offer each other. Is there anything else that you wish to say to either of the lords or do you wish to see who else you can move on to?

>>25018385


Bid Egen a pleasant farewell.

Can we have Saul introduce us to the serpentine lord? We should say a word or two to Lyonel, and those two are already talking.

>>25018385
Let's see who else is available for some chatter.

>>25018385
Lord Saul is a sneaky bastard, I like him. Not sure what else we have to talk about, so might be worth us moving on to our next person, either Yohn Royce or Corbray.

>>25018457

Agreeing with this.

>>25018385
I can't think of anything else to talk to him about right now.
We were planning to talk to Lord Corbray.
Tell them we should go talk to Lord Corbray and make sure there are no hard feeling then bid them goodbye.

Hell yeah Harrock Quest

>>25018256
Like >>25018307 said Egen has used us. We should consider withdrawing our troops and mason, likely under the guise of combating troubles in our own land.

Most importantly, we need to get his Master-at-arms on our side. He's a simple fellow that we can win over, and is clearly dissatisfied with the way Egen neglects the defence of his land.

>>25018457
Sounds good

>>25018544
I'm not sure he is using us, he's worried about other houses trying to take his land, and he's justified in bring worried, it's exactly what we were planning. We should slow things down for a bit, let things calm down before trying again.

>>25018544
>We should consider withdrawing our troops and mason, likely under the guise of combating troubles in our own land.


I was sooo close to putting that in >>25018457, although I was also thinking about maybe if a fire started somewhere in Egen's capital? Wouldn't be connected to us at all.

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Gentlemen, Egan is beginning to move in counter productive ways. His usefulness is nearing its end and for that reason we should have plans to dispose of him.
In response to this offense he has given us, We should raid a village or two in his land. He has no military to stop us and if no witnesses are left the blame can be placed on hill folk.

>>25018596
From the beginning he has talked down about his daughter to us in favour of getting our daughter instead. If he isn't outright using us, he clearly doesn't trust us.

>>25018544

At this point our troops have to leave. I would honestly send a raven right now tell them to leave before we arrive back and have our knight there say there were issues back at High Harrock they needed to attend to. That'll send a good message.

I do say we allow our mason to finish. We have a trade agreement with another Lord to honor for 100 Mercs and they can be used to garrison the new harbor which we will still likely use. So the place will be literally in our pocket still but not with our own men.

>>25018457
>>25018473
During your chat with Lord Egen, the layout of the feast has changed as the lords have meandered about.

>The wonderful Deyya Harrock is now speaking with the grim-faced Lord Royce Coldwater, sharing a polite conversation with the man, introducing your daughter to Yohn Royce's vassal and what looks like his son, a lad who appears two or three years younger than your daughter. Brock is with them, looking extremely out of place.
>Lord Benedar Belmore is now having a loud, boisterous discussion with Lord Yohn Royce, laughing at each others' jokes and patting each other on the back and generally behaving like old friends - although Benedar's tired eyes betray his apathy and distaste for such frivolous chatter.
>Lord Lyonel Corbray is now alone with his brother, the two of them sat side by side and sharing a quiet conversation with each other. Both of them possess tight-lipped, uncertain expressions and their bodies share an awkward posture as they mutter to each other.
>The lord with the snake-covered doublet is engaging in a plain discussion with Lord Palfrey Badics, neither of them showing any emotions beyond what is required for polite conversation.
>Lady Lorenna Egen is on her own, currently absorbed in petting and feeding a rather wiry and ugly looking cat, like a mouser of some variety.
>Lady Delayis has skulked away from where the hedge knights are sat, leaving only Ser Banton and Ser Crabnot to finish off their portions for the feast, all of them seeming quite bitter and defeated.

>>25018644

If we are to gain his master-at-arms trust, killing his countrymen sure as shit isnt going to sit well with him

Even if we are careful, his ass is gonna be suspicious when the people our men are supposed to protect are dead.

>>25018644
We shouldn't dispose of him till we have a marriage, or at least an engagement. Unless we think we can get our wife to convince his Braavosi wife to agree to it, but it seems like they don't get along.

>>25018648
Trusting people in Westeros gets you killed, to be fair. I think we just need a very frank talk to him later on.

Or we could throw him under the bus when Royce, Egen and us have our meeting.

I don't think Egen is using us at all. He just realizes we've become more ambitious as of late. And seeing as we're more powerful and his neighbors, he knows us making a move on him is probable. He's just become too cautious for our liking.

>>25018699
We shouldn't throw him under the bus but instead show him that we are capable of doing so

>>25018712

We;re building him a harbor and manning his lands. He used us.

>>25018668
I think the concensus was Corbray, we should wish him well and congratulate him on his courage. Fighting on with a broken rib or two is no mean feat.

>>25018732
>manning his lands
And this places us in a perfect position to retaliate

>>25018724
This. We should cover for him, but let him sweat it out enough that our intervention is clear.

>>25018724
Good idea, show him quite how much he needs us now, and that he is gone if he doesn't work with us.

>>25018738
Yea, let's chat with Corbray.

>>25018747

Hardly. Being slighted over possibly not gaining a hand in marriage is no reason to murder a house and it's holdings. We will also gain the wrath of all other houses and the Lord of the Vale himself. That is the worst idea.

>>25018668
Let's go chat with the snake lord and Badics.

Did we talk to one of the hedge knights last session about becoming a sworn sword?

>>25018747
It does explain why he is so nervous. But this recalcitrance is not exactly appreciated.

It depends on whether he is truly seeking to marry Lorrena off to Belmore, or if he was simply caught in the crossfire between the two of us. If the latter, his nervousness is understandable. If the former, he has used us and gone behind our backs.

We need to convince him somehow that Belmore is the common enemy. Having solid evidence from the missing mercenaries (whether that evidence be tortured from them or genuine) might help if they confessed that they were sent to harry our lands and his.

>>25018787
I wasn't suggesting we full on attack you mongoloid. As i previously mentioned it would be easy for us to raid an outlying village and blame it on mountain clans. Egen would get the message but wouldn't be able to blame us for it

>>25018544
>>25018599
>We should consider withdrawing our troops and mason, likely under the guise of combating troubles in our own land.

Woah! You're going in completely the wrong direction with that.
If we withdraw our support, he'll be forced to turn to another Lord instead, then /they/ will have control of his lands.

We will continue giving him our support, and in doing so, we will gain greater control.

We already suspect he was/is planning something. If we continue on this course, it's only a matter of time before he makes a move our of fear or desperation.

We need to catch him in the act and present evidence to the Lord of the Vale.

If we can get Just Cause to attack him, we will be in perfect position to take his lands without a fight.

The only risk is, can we catch him in the act before we get shanked?

>>25018644
>We should raid a village or two in his land.
That's the kind of sloppy overtness that will bring fire down on us.
Bad Anon. Stop that.

>>25018818
yeah we talked to one of the hedge knights. I forget which one but he said he would think about it.

Why won't anyone be our friend ;_;

>>25018787
It puts us in a position to do >>25018644, so the nervousness is not entirely without merit.

>insequent Loyalist
Hmmm, yes captcha.

>>25018826

Our men are garrisoned with his own. Including his Master-At-Arms the only competent military mind in the house. Our troops suddenly leaving and then a few days later attacks occur on his land might be a little more then suspicious, beyond that dishonorable and will carry far more risk then what we will receive.

A slight is no reason to kill innocents.

>>25018832
What exactly would Egen be planning to do that would make our liege-lord entirely okay with us seizing his lands?

>>25018860
We wouldn't send men from the garrison we sent to his lands idiot.

>A slight is no reason to kill innocents.
You are a shitty noble.

>>25018738
>>25018786
>Making sure that the consensus remained the same even after the updated situation.

Both of the Corbrays glance up from their hushed discussion, with Ser Lyn offering a stiff bow while Lord Lyonel offers a forced smile, still clearly pained by his injuries. A Maester stands a short distance away, ready to tend to the man's injuries if need be. There's a certain bitterness to the man's tone as he speaks.

"Lord Harrock, I'm afraid that I wasn't in the condition to congratulate you on your victory when it occurred so I'll do so now. I am sorry to hear that you lost to Marwyn Belmore but losing to a tourney knight of that man's calibre is not something to be ashamed of. Is there anything that I can help you with or have you simply come to wish me health and good fortune as the others have?"

>>25018860
This. Regardless of the moral qualms of slaughtering smallfolk that have nothing to do with Egen's foolish decisions. This method is clumsy and will obviously lead straight back to us, thereby driving Egen into Belmores influence and giving us enemies on both sides.

>>25018832

I'd rather our best armed and armored troops as well as a knight be out of the reach of Egen. Iff he turns to another lord, so be it. I'm agreeing with >>25018665 in regards to our troops.

>>25018887

And you are a brash man with no regard for morals and the consequences that it could render. Also cool it with the insults, we're playing a game and people are going to offer differing opinions.

>>25018899
>>25018665

Just joined the thread and caught up, I third this sentiment. Withdraw our actual retainers, keep the mason there, man with mercs, etc.

>>25018840
Even our own sworn swords treat us with chosen words...

Our brother was the popular one, the warrior, the leader, The Bastard. It was us that grew up in his shadow rather, but his shadow was the bigger one by right of birth.

Eitherway, Bronze Yohn is the real power here, and he doesnt seem to hate us. Being on his good side is our best option, and if we get him to love our boy as he does his own, we can talk him easier into marrying his boy to our daughter.

>>25018890
"Think nothing of it, you rode with the same will of a knight as your brother if that matters, and i much enjoyed our joust more than... Belmores...

Will you be seeking your armor back, dented as it is? Or shall i make cause to refit it for myself to replace my own lost suit?"

>>25018890
"I was impressed by the courage and determination you displayed. Having fought beside your brother against the mountain savages I can see the resemblance. Are all Corbrays made of such stern stuff?"

Begin with niceities, but move on to discussion of trade and assistance between our houses. With our current terms with Egen it's possible to become more connected with this House, and so far no one seems to want to associate with them all that much.

>>25018870
Any attempt to kill or maliciously injure a Noble Lord or member of his family is casus belli.

If he makes any such move against us, and we can prove it, the Lord of the Vale should not forbid us from attacking him.

A Noble attacking another without just cause will get them fuck!
With just cause, no one should get in our way.

>>25018949


I like this. Keep things cordial.

>>25018887
>Mountain men
Godless savages to be put to the sword, every man, woman and child amongst them

>Smallfolk
Actual people. Who we don't kill without good reason.

>>25018985
we still wouldn't have justification for taking his lands. We would have to install his son in his place

>>25018930
How would it look if we withdraw troops on the basis that we are searching for those missing mercenaries of Belmore?

>>25019009

Which is as good as taking it. Instill the young son, have him grow up under our influence, possibly eventually have them so reliant on us that they just become our bannermen.

It is still a win for us, just longer term.

>>25019036
>have him grow up under our influence
Won't be that easy. Every lord around will want to do the same

>>25018897
Exactly, we can't afford to force his hand into signing up with Belmore, we need to be careful with this.

>>25018890
I was wondering how you were finding the festivities, Lord Corbray. I find that, whilst it is enjoyable, there is too much double dealing and two-faced discussions, very few are honest and speak their mind.

>>25018985
I honestly can't see Egen doing that unless we have married our daughter to his son. Even then, such a marriage would likely mollify him enough for our alliance to be genuine. If anyone was likely to act against us in such a way, it would be Belmore.

>>25019009
Aye, and the son won't be too happy we've offed his dad. Regardless of how we influence him, his mother will make sure of that.

>>25019013

Something to that effect would work I would assume. Perhaps even send a false report that they have shown traces within our direct lands, give an even better reason to have them back to our lands as quickly as possible.

I just have a bad feeling the longer our troops are there the worst off they will be. If I remember correctly Lord Egen's Master-At-Arms left yesterday after losing his tilt. That is just a bad sign to me.

>>25018996

If memory serves, those two brothers do not get along, just to be aware that flattering Lyonel about martial skill might be thorny to Lyn.

>>25018949
>>25018977
Combination of these two have my vote for a response.

>>25019072

Although I'm not saying not to do it, since Lyonel is actually the one who heads the house.

>>25019071
I'm pretty sure he left because he finds this jousting to be tomfoolery when their lands are under real threat. We need to get into contact with him. Perhaps through Ser Tenry.

>>25018899
>I'd rather our best armed and armored troops as well as a knight be out of the reach of Egen
Wha....? We have troops in place and effectively control his lands. This is a good thing, why do you want to ruin that?

>Iff he turns to another lord, so be it
He'll be forced to, then we get nothing. Congratulations, you just gave the prize to someone else.
Someone else controls his land and we get nothing.

>hire 100 Mercs and they can be used to garrison the new harbor
Why would we surrender control of the lands then pay a fortune for veteran mercs to act as a garrison.
We already have effective control of the port... Along with everything else.

You are suggesting we pay more for less.

>>25019100

Which is entirely possible. But with this new development there is also the possibility something is happening while we are away.

>Our men are outnumbered and unawares in Egens hold.
>"Belmore's" archers are around the area.
>Belmore and Egen are talking.
>No desire to part with his daughter presently despite all we've done.
>Belmore controls the ravens in Grimarbor so even if they got a message to us it wouldn't reach our ears before it was too late.

>>25019139

We already have the Mercs hired. For iron. From another Lord. Two threads ago. Already a deal made.

That and our troops are still outnumbered, vastly, and with Egen's Master-At-Arms returning it isn't getting any better as our knight isn't in charge anymore. We have a presence as an auxiliary force only. We control nothing.

>>25019013
We were asked to keep that matter quiet by Lord Badics until he gets some answers from Belmore.

Breaking our word to him will not help us.

>>25018949
"Thank you. I appreciate your concern and as for being my brother's equal... I shan't speak of such things. I am glad that you enjoyed our joust and I only hope that we get the opportunity to fight again, whether together or against one another. You are an honourable man, Lord Harrock. Regarding my armour, I would gladly pay the ransom at market's price and no more. You won and I would be glad to pay the right price for the return of my equipment. I planned to make this request after the tournament was over but if you wish to bring up the discussion now, I appreciate that as well."
>>25018977
The first comment was enough, the second comment pushes things over the edge. Your remark strikes a nerve as the pair of them share a glance, their eyes meeting. Awkwardness gives away to anger and with a distasteful sneer, Ser Lyn abandons his brother to speak with you.
"The answer to the question that you asked is strongly contested. I would say yes, my brother would say no. I am not willing to speak with you any further on that topic."
>>25019048
"We all have our secrets and our agendas, Lord Harrock. Every event like this is a den of vipers and you shouldn't expect anything more. We both lost our fathers to the War of the Usurper and those loyal to the Mad King and we're both new to being lords of the Vale. This is what lordship is. Struggling over titles and other petty things, proving yourself better than your equals in the eyes of your superior. I know this, I am sure that you do as well."

"Is there anything else you want?"

His tone is a tired one. You are unsure whether it's caused by the wound or by your conversation.

>>25019219

Not the best conversation to have. I say we leave it at that and bid adieu.

We're doing as poorly at conversation tonight as we did with rolls last thread.

>>25019219


I'm honestly good with talky-time, Time skip melee?

>>25019200
Exactly, we can't afford to be rash now.

>>25019255
Second this.

>>25019255
yes pls

>>25019219

God dammit, I knew I was right about insulting that touchy prick.

>>25019184
No, he made us the offer. Iron for troops if we were interested in hiring any.
Also, we still need to expand the mine before we have a surplus to trade to him.
That, or cut back on other things.

>That and our troops are still outnumbered, vastly, and with Egen's Master-At-Arms returning
He has mostly Green Militia.

Militia are not a standing army, they've all gone back to their fields and ploughs to feed their families. He lost more than half of them and his place is a ghost town now because of the depleted population.

Our Trained Infantry are the backbone of his lands right now.

>>25019219
Apologize if we have offended him, but I think we do need to push our trade agenda here. If even only two honest men make friends here today then this den of vipers will have been good for something after all.

>>25019184
We did? Why do we need mercenaries?

A few threads back, when we heard about the Master-at-arms returning home I suggested being paranoid about a possible fight going on back at home in our absence.

I do think we're fairly safe though. Surely if the troops we've given him end up all slaughtered, that looks pretty bad on him. Amplified by doing it while we're at a tournament like this. I reckon our Lord would come down pretty hard on that.

>>25019255
>>25019271
>>25019275
I say quickly see if there is an opportunity to trade/ally here, then timeskip.

>>25019275
>>25019271
>>25019255
>>25019247
You attempt to speak with Lord Corbray on the matter of trade but he almost rudely dismisses you, claiming not to be in the best condition or state of mind to discuss such matters, with his wounds. You're unsure of the truth of that statement but give him the space that he desires.

Leaving the good Lord Corbray in peace, you leave for your own quarters with your family in tow as the feast comes to a conclusion. A failed joust and a failed feast, with your own succession being in the acquisition of your new masters of hounds, old man Royter.

Earlier, you thought of sending a raven to your forces at House Egen and Crown Crag, ordering them to withdraw to Westpass and High Harrock. Do you wish to go ahead with this or do you wish to send any other raven?

>>25019184
>I do not remember any mercenaries being purchased. Please link the post using suptg or Foolz.

>>25019310
>We did? Why do we need mercenaries?
No, we don't.

We were made an offer from Lord Bardics. Iron for troops if we we wanted some.

We haven't expanded our mine yet, we have no surplus of iron and we didn't actually buy any.

We just got an offer if we want some.

>>25019389
>>25019306

No there wasn't. I apologize for the misconception and remembering wrong.

Ugh, I hope the upcoming talks will earn some profit/favour for us soon, so far all conversations have turned sour

>>25019392
Good

>>25019364
No, doing so will only drive Egen away. This alliance can still be salvaged.

>>25019364

Yes send the raven. But have the message under the guise of meeting us at the harbor to escort our Lord home. Say we have heard rumours that disconcern us and would rather have our men with us, and we'll need them to help transport things home.

Also personally send the raven. Don't trust them Belmores.

>>25019364
>Do you wish to go ahead with this or do you wish to send any other raven?
No. Taking a huff because he didn't accept our proposal right away and losing all the gains we've made wouldn't be a smart choice.

>>25019419
>>25019364

Not yet, we can still keep up this alliance until Egen really pisses us off and then we sweep the rug from 'neath his feet.

>>25019364

No,

Let's not hastily make a decision that might bite us in the ass sooner than later

>>25019419
>>25019449
>>25019454

Perhaps a compromise? A portion of our troops and our knight, now that the Master-At-Arms has returned no need for him to be there. Keep some presence there while keeping some of own just in case.

>>25019364
I reckon we should send a raven asking for an update of the situation, both to Tenry in Egen's lands, and to our uncle in High Harrock. We shouldn't remove our troops yet.

>>25019494
I second this.

>>25019483
>Keep some presence there while keeping some of own just in case

We already have hundreds of troops at home. Far more than we lent out. We have not made ourself vulnerable at all with this deal.

Posting less troops there will give us less control and influence over the lands. If we don't have enough to police his lands properly and hill-cunts start raiding, he will probably just turn to another Lord to help him since we aren't up to the job.

>>25019494
Thirded. Getting an update can't hurt.

>>25019520
>>25019494
>>25019479
>>25019474
>>25019454
>>25019449
>>25019419
You decide against the concept of withdrawal, instead sending ravens to your sworn swords at Crown Crag and High Harrock alike requesting a report on current events.

Is there anything else you wish to do before moving on to tomorrow and the last day of the joust?

>>25019494
No, because that update will come through Belmore channels. We don't know if they even know we're helping patrol Egens land.

>>25019574
We should be good.

>>25019574
Nah, timeskip is good.

>>25019552

They are our best armed and armored troops with the best straight up combat experience.

But fine. Everyone else voted against it. No use arguing it.

>>25019574
>Is there anything else you wish to do before moving on to tomorrow and the last day of the joust?
Ask our wife if she had better luck than we did?
She was chatting up potential suitors right?

Also, romance her a little. Things with the wife have been going good. Let her know we care.

>>25019632
Good point, see what the wife has been up to, then timeskip.

>>25019632

Thirded. First time I've followed one of these, very interesting.

>>25019810
Your first quest? Welcome!

>>25019632
"Yohn Royce is craftier than he looks... Oh, he smiled and laughed and commented on just how polite and civil our daughter was but he was far too dismissive. I doubt we shall be able to marry Katrin to his heir, but perhaps his second son, this Robar Royce. He spoke quite highly of him, at least compared to Andar; he views him as the better son, even if he is not the one that shall inherit. As for Coldwater, I certainly didn't enjoy talking with him. So dour and cold, he reminded me of the Northern lords. His son is a clean slate however, perfect material for crafting into a wife for Katrin if we take him as a ward. I want to speak with Lord Corbray before the tournament is over though, he and his brothers are all unmarried. Surely there's an opportunity for Katrin there?"

After the sharing of information, you enjoy a pleasant tumble with your wife as you have over the past several days. It's difficult to remember when you weren't making loving to the woman, you bed her so frequently. Not that you complain however. You're simply waiting for the day when she is with child. Perhaps then, you might be able to consider the fate of your son Brock.

Without further ado, you drift off to sleep.

>>25019829
>A wife for Katrin
Kinky.

>>25019829

>a ward

Dear god yes please. We need a squire. It would give us at least some connection to another house. And would be considered some degree of victory.

We really need to follow up on that before we leave.

>>25019829
Getting Coldwater's son as a ward could be a good idea. Getting an alliance through marriage with Royce would be awesome, but not sure how useful it'll be if it isn't with his heir.

Not sure we want Katrin married to either Corbray, they're fairly dour men.

>>25019829
A second son of Royce or the son of Coldwater who is a blank slate.

Damn, the woman does good work.

Remind me, why did we walk around that feast without her on our arm? Let's not make that mistake again.

>>25019907
I know, she's had better luck than us over the last couple of days.

>>25019902

Agree with all of that. Heck to be honest even a second son might be worth, if no sons are born of the first or something happens to him we win, technically.

And let's be real. Up until 3 months ago we were a shamed house with nothing. Even marrying Katrin to his second son is a major jump for us. THe first could still be in reach, but we'll see what happens. I say keep the idea around.

>>25019299
One was alright, flattery and observation if anything, it was the addition of the next one that struck the nerve, shouldn't have had the other one added,

>>25019952
Yea, even the second son of Royce would be a huge coup for us, and gain us a strong ally, even if it doesn't get our blood straight into the line of House Royce.

>>25019876
>I'm drunk and it's midnight. Fuck the world.
>>25019829
It doesn't take long at all for the return of the ravens. By the time you have awoken and cleaned yourself, you are approached by a messenger from the Belmores' Maester, carrying a pair of letters. One with the unbroken seal of your house, one more informal and without any wax seal at all. Your uncle was clever enough to ensure you'd know if the letter had been read. Ser Tenry? Not so much.

You are thankful that Alric had this foresight, for the letter carries little in the way of good news, while Tenry's carries no news at all - the patrols of Crown Crag are dull and uneventful. However, Westpass was under attack last night.

Six men of Wetrock's garrison died under a hail of arrows from unseen assailants. These projectiles are identical to the ones shot by your mystery archers from so long ago. Reports also indicate over twenty missing smallfolk, taken from their homes. Whoever is attacking your territory is aware that you are not present and is taking advantage of that fact. The casualties weren't large but someone is out there, harassing your people under the cover of night - and you're not there to protect them.

However, you have a tournament to attend. It would be poor sport of you to leave at this point. So it comes down to a question:
>Leave the tournament to oversee the defence and security of Westpass.
>Remain at the tournament and trust in your uncle and your sworn swords to provide adequate protection of your territory.

>>25020017

We have too much to lose by leaving now. And besides we have to allow our swornswords to strike fear into them, give the impression that even with us missing our lands are not to be messed with.

As much as I dislike it though, as we should be there to help them, we need to stay at the tourney.

>>25020073
Any other input?

>>25020017
Return, charge Ser Morys with protecting our family and ensuring Brock doesn't get himself killed in the melee.

We can't ignore our homeland coming under attack.

>>25020073
I agree, because we would look weak if we left now, even though our home needs us.

We'll have to talk to Badics again though, Belmore has to be behind them attacking us.

>>25020073
What do we lose by us personally leaving now? This is an emergency.

>>25020073
I would have to agree and as>>25020166 said we will need to talk to Badics again about this.

>>25020173

Our son not participating in the melee, nor our swornsword in the joust.

No one to make deals of gaining wardship or other deals.

Though, >>25020161 is a possibility, it just wouldn't leave the right taste in my mouth leaving our family in the jaws of the enemy.

>>25020017
We need to send a raven telling him to set up large ambushes at a couple mountain passes that are likely routes they might take.

If he must deplete the garrison at one of the towers to provide the manpower, do it. We need to catch these bastards.

Seal it and pass it off to be sent.

THEN we send one of our men in secret with our REAL orders. Slip a fisherman a few coin to take him to High Harrock then he can just swim to shore.

Order the ambushes to be set up a DIFFERENT locations and NOT deplete the garrison at the tower. Tell him to set one of the ambushes to catch anyone that tries to attack the tower.

>>25020173
>Mostly reputation. Leaving an event before its end is an insult to the host and his hospitality and is generally frowned upon. It also limits any further intrigue at the tournament.
>In exchange, not handling the emergency personally allows you no control over how it is handled, other than any instructions you send back to your uncle.

>>25020073
We wouldn't be able to do much to help, and we're better off trying to get allies than running off home.

>>25020195
I quite like that idea, it's cunning.

>>25020204
>not handling the emergency personally allows you no control over how it is handled, other than any instructions you send back to your uncle.
Our people aren't idiots, they'll be able to handle themselver without us holding their hands.

We know (strongly suspect) our messages are being read. Use this against them.
Do this >>25020195

>>25020195

I like this idea. We would have to make sure our man leaves under the cover of night though and sends a raven with a specific sentence that only he would now to confirm it is done.

>>25020195
>>25020234
>>25020254
>>25020262

Also, tell him to send a raven back, confirming he has placed the troops in the right place.

We want to be sure the message had been intercepted.

Remember that the second son of Royce gets killed 15 years later by the biggest homo in westeros

After all of our failings yesterday in the joust and feast. We are suddenly this cunning bastard with fantastic plans.

Man we turned that shit around.

>>25020262
>>25020254
>>25020234
>>25020210
>>25020195
>>25020194
>>25020188
>>25020173
>>25020166
>>25020161
>>25020073
You do not return home immediately. Instead, you send a raven back to your uncle carrying the details of a possible ambush. However you pay a fisherman with a couple of gold dragons, requesting that he delivers a second letter to High Harrock personally, carrying the details of the real ambush you have planned. You hope that this will be enough.

Is there anything else you wish to do with your day before the arrival of the joust?

>>25020344
You what? Don't talk such rubbish. That's like suggesting that the whole of Westeros will be ruined and sent into war in 15 years time.

>>25020352
Nope, let's do the timewarp!

>>25020347
Yeah, our social skills are a bit shit bet we're a cunning fucker.

>>25020352

I remember we discussed at the end of the last thread the possibility of finding other retainers?

I know we serve as our own master of coin so no to that, but someone brought up bringing a bard in?

I'd say finding one of cunning and renown with a taste for some coins in his pocket to station in our new tavern would be a good cause. He could be used as a spy in the tavern, and his calling to the castle wouldn't raise an eyebrow.

Just a thought.

Also stationing ourselves by the Coldharbors today to discuss things during the joust seems to be a good call. And our wife HAS to be there for that.

>>25020418
Save that for later, let's just get on with the joust for now.

>>25020386
>>25020347
We're usually not too bad with social stuff, it's just in the formal situation we don't do well, we're not used to it.

But yea, we're a cunning fucker.

>>25020418
Yea, I suggested us getting a bard. I also suggested we get hold of the tower ruins on the border with Belmore.

We also wanted to recruit one of the hedge knights, depending on how well they do in the grand melee

>>25020442

Fair enough on to jousting and meleeing.

>giving cobray back his plate armor and horse


But we lost our stuff too!

What are we going to ride and wear now?

>>25020352

Talk to Deyya about possible matches for Brock, and who she sees a good fit for him.

Katrin is good, but remember Brock might need some attention as well, particularly is our wife is having more luck finding suitors than we are

>>25020525

Well we don't have anything to really use it for presently so no real need to worry. We'll get it back, with the gold we get from Cobray, we can in turn ransom ours back. No lose no gain.

>>25020531

I wouldn't concern our dear Lady Wife with Brock presently. We should keep that to ourselves for a bit, see what happens. Don't worry the poor woman.

>>25020525
We use that money to purchase back our armour and horse, and we should have some money left over too.

>>25020531
Might be worth getting her view on it, yea.

>>25020558
>We'll get it back, with the gold we get from Cobray, we can in turn ransom ours back. No lose no gain.
Unless Belmore decides to be a cunt and demand 10 times its worth.

Either way, we have a spare set and we only use full-plate for these kind of things anyway. We'll live without it if we need to.

>>25020608
That'd make him look bad though, it's tradition that you only charge 50-100% of what it is worth.

>>25020507
>>25020449
>>25020442
>>25020418
>>25020383
For once, you approach the heart of the tournament dressed in fine clothes rather than armour. Seating yourself amongst the nobility, you find yourself quickly embroiled in a side of the tournament you hadn't seen before. Gestured over by Lord Benedar Belmore himself, you find yourself joined by Lord Loras Egen, Lord Palfrey Badics, Lord Alesandor Saul and Ser Andar Royce. A bookish looking servant is sat nearby, parchment and quill at the ready as your fat ginger rival speaks.

"Are you a betting man, Lord Harrock?"

>>25020645

Oh christ.

I would say no. But I'm willing to bet others will out weigh me. Just don't bet resources, possessions, or lands please.

>>25020668
>>25020645
I'd say no too, but then it might make us look like bad sports, and we can't afford that.

Just don't bet anything important.

>>25020668
>>25020696
Better to say no now before we hear the gamble, rather than look like we balk because we can't afford the price.

>>25020645
>"Are you a betting man, Lord Harrock?"
"My inner Steward would beat me if I were.

A master of coin that with a taste for gambling has ruined more than one house."

>>25020645

"I make calculated gambles, Lord Belmore, not 'betts'. That has been my families way and I intend to honour that, as I'm sure you will understand"

>>25020734
*that has a taste for gambling

>>25020645

Alright I remember Lord Belmore being said to have really high class and well trained hounds. I wouldn't mind getting a bitch from him. But only if the gamble is right.

>>25020744
>>25020734
>>25020724
>>25020696
>>25020668
"Very well, if that is your decision, Hangman. Not all of us are bold or rich enough to participate in a sport such as this."

The first match is quickly announced and the men place their bets, sipping from goblets of wine and murmuring their contributions to the pool.

>Lord Yohn of House Royce shall ride against Ser Morys, Sworn to House Harrock.

"Two hundred dragons on Bronze Yohn," says Benedar.
"One hundred on Bronze Yohn," from Palfrey.
"Hundred on m'dad," as uttered by Andar Royce.
Your foppish neighbour and your new friend Alesandor both remain silent and a glance is given your way by Benedar, a grin on his fat face.
"Not willing to support your own knight, Hangman? Come now, add your own contribution to the pot. Otherwise this tilt will be ever so dull."

>1 Wealth = 100 Gold Dragons.
>The bets are totalled and placed in a pool.
>Upon one of the jouster winning, those who placed their bet on him divide the pool amongst themselves.
>You have 4 Wealth available, if you wish to bet.

>>25020912
>And if there's no one to bet on the opposing rider, the bet is rendered null.

>A crude system for a crude time.

>>25020912

"1 Wealth on Bronze Yohn"

>>25020912

I mean... Alright fine. Bet at least 1. Otherwise don't bet. Damn you Plasma.

>>25020949

We'll be laughed at for not betting on our knight. Either we bet a hundie on Morys or not at all

>>25020912
"Sorry but my friend is out there to have fun, not to win. We both know this."

Royce is going to with this. Everyone knows it.

>>25020982

I'm willing to take one bet and a possible lose. He is our knight after all and a swerve is always possible.

We can make the Wealth back.

>>25020912
1 wealth for Ser Morys

>>25020912
>Hangman
We have got to stop this shit

Shit... we can't not bet, but Royce will probably win.

Eh, 100 on Morys, we'll make it up later.

>>25020949
>And if there's no one to bet on the opposing rider, the bet is rendered null.

We don't gain anything from betting on Bronze Yohn.

>>25021029
>>25021029
That's just Belmore being a wanker.

>>25021029

I see no reason too. He is obviously using it to poke at us. But when we string him up in the future. He won't be laughing.

Besides. It is a pretty cool name.

>>25020418
Can we find another sworn sword among the hedge knights? I know that the scarred Lady would be pretty good to have in a fight.

>>25021098
We approached one, he said he'd think about it, and for us to talk to him after the melee had finished.

>>25021098
The plan was to watch them in the big fight and see who does well.

Can I get a consolidated situation report on the archers?

I know that they have attacked before and are probably mercenaries who may have gone rogue, but I don't know if I missed anything else

>>25021144
>>25021126
Sounds good

>>25021169

They belong to Lord Badics, but are (maybe) being hired out to the Belmores

>>25021169

When we were originally raiding the mountain men a group of archers attacked our party. This cause Ser Tenry to break down a bit and since then we have not seen them.

Upon talking to Lord Badic it was discussed they are possibly his rogue mercs, and possibly being controlled by Lord Belmore. Neither are confirmed. But we have suspicions.

And now the current situation where they have supposedly shown up on our lands again while we are away.

Quick and dirty.

>>25021169
Nothing is /known/ for sure but this is what looks likely at the moment.

~Belmore hired some mercs from Bardics.
~He told Bardics they went AWOL when he really paid them to be loyal to him instead.
~He seems to be using them as a black-ops unit for attacking us (and maybe others) in a way that won't lead back to him.
~Possible trying to fuck us while framing Bardics for it so he can move on us both.
~Archers are currently raiding our lands, kidnapping and murdering our people.

>>25021016
>>25021030
>>25021005
>>25020965
"That's the spirit!"
With a bellowing laugh, Lord Benedar Belmore gives the signal to a servant and sure enough, after a few moments the joust is under-way.

The juggernaut of Royce against your elderly yet skilled sworn sword. Yet when it comes down it, the advantage of Bronze Yohn isn't only in his strength. He is younger. He is a better fighter and he is an equal rider. Surging forward on the back of their horses, the two riders rush towards one another and the next thing you see is a shower of splinters, both of them planting their lances into the other's chest. Yet Bronze Yohn has come away from the encounter unphased while you can see Ser Morys swaying in his saddle. The second charge of the tilt is a mirror of the first, only Bronze Yohn's lance doesn't break this time. Almost reeling off of his saddle, your sworn sword barely manages to keep in the fight while doing nothing to phase his opponent. The third and final round starts in a worrying fashion as Ser Morys circles around, his body lolling from side to side as though he is hardly awake and incapable of sight - yet he is too proud to submit. Rushing forward in a blind charge, your knight splinters his lance uselessly on the shield of Yohn Royce only to be dismounted in the most brutal fashion, ankle twisted and tangled in the stirrup, dragging the sorry warrior along the soil before his horse is seized and calmed. A Maester immediately rushes out to tend to the unconscious knight while Lord Yohn Royce dismounts and tears off his helmet, his face riddled with concern.

"That went as expected," murmurs Benedar in a satisfied manner.

>You lose 1 Wealth.
>.5 Wealth goes to Lord Benedar Belmore.
>.25 Wealth goes to Lord Palfrey Badics.
>.25 Wealth goes to Ser Andar Royce.

>>25021279

As expected indeed. However I'm more concerned with the possibility of losing our Knight.

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>>25021279
Morys no!

>>25021279
Go check on him.

>>25021279
...damnit, we should have rechecked Morys equipment. I bet you dragons to donughts that Benedar did something

>>25021279
Shit, I hope Morys is alright... fuck.

We need to win some money back though. I reckon we bet on the knight that beat us next.

>>25021346

Nah no more betting. We were good sports about it in regards to our own knight. Otherwise we should remain as our inner Steward would want, who is likely screaming in rage currently.

>>25021342
Moving from the lords to find out the state of your sworn sword, the Maester informs you as simply as he can. Several ribs were fractured from the second blow and his descent from the back of his horse broke his leg in multiple locations, causing the Maester to doubt that he'll be able to walk again, let alone fight. Then there's the question of the old man actually surviving these injuries in his elderly state.

Ensuring you that he'll do the best he possibly can, he has the knight carefully lifted and carried off of the field. Reluctantly you return to the other lords - the only one carrying a smile is Lord Benedar Belmore, of course.

>Next Tilt:
>Ser Cador of House Belmore shall ride against Ser Artly, Sworn to House Belmore.

"Two hundred golden dragons on Ser Artly. This must be a difficult choice for you, Lord Belmore," as spoken by Lord Palfrey Badics.
"Hardly. Two hundred golden dragons dedicated to my son's victory," says the smiling lord.
"I shall bet one hundred golden dragons on Ser Artly. Forgive me for not sharing your hopes for your son, Lord Belmore," says Lord Egen, clearly put off by the previous display.
"Hundred on Artly," as grunted by Ser Andar.

"And you, Lord Harrock? Do you wish to pass this one?" as spoken by Alesandor Saul, not placing any bet of his own.

>>25021501
Fucking hell, this has not been a good couple of days for us. We're down our most experienced knight and commander.

We need to fuck up Belmore's shit for all this.

>>25021501
"I'll bet one hundred on Artly as well. I hope he gives us a show just as good as the last."

>>25021501
"Yes, I think I'll pass this one. I'll support a friend but I'm still not a gambling man."

>>25021501

I believe I'll pass, Lord Saul.

>>25021501

Pass. No need to possibly waste coin. We might be down a knight. That is far more valuable.

>>25021552
I agree, 100 on Artly.

>>25021552
Is that a sly way of saying we hope Sir Artly leaves Belmore's son unable to walk ever again?

>>25021501
Pass. Damnit. Belmore planned this. I know it. I don't know how but he did something. We have to go over Morys armor and equipment for any sign of foul play.

...Also, who tilted against Morys beforehand? Was he a Belmore sword? maybe his master ordered him to throw the match so that way morys would go up against Yohn

>>25021579
You want to be on a Bellmore? Any Bellmore?

This tournament has given us nothing but bad results.

I wish we had never attended to be honest.

>>25021501
Give Belmore the eye. "Five hundred on Cador." My bet is that he rigged the match.

>>25021614
This isn't a bad idea, but 500 seems a little extreme. I'd say 200. 300 if we wanted to deprive Belmore most of the winnings.

>>25021611
No, we've got good things out of it. More information, potential allies, servants, better relationship with our family.

Just...fucking Belmore

>>25021622
Three hundred On cador.

He's obviously going to have his swornsword take a fall

>>25021624

In exchange for a lose of knight, coin, respect, and our son's potential bride.

Yeah those goods surely outweigh the bad.

>>25021593
Nah, his saddle strap didn't break and his armour didn't fail. He just got his ass kicked by a better Knight.

The old dog pressed on even when it was clear he was beaten. Bastard's got more balls than brains.

I hope he recovers.

>>25021622
Yes, 300 gold on Cador. With a grin.

>>25021611
We had no idea how it'd turn out, and we'd be out a fair bit of information if we hadn't come, as well as allies and a potential marriage to House Royce. I mean, we've learnt who the archers are, who might be involved, etc.

What >>25021624 said though, fucking Belmore.

>>25021640
Yea, bet on Cador - the sworn sword is going to throw the match for Belmore's son.

>>25021647
Yea, he lost to Bronze Yohn, one of the best riders in Westeros - that he lasted two runs without being unhorsed is fucking amazing.

Why are we betting? That sounds awful, we could literally lose all of our coin doing this. Then what would we do?

>>25021647
I still want to check this out. Belmore is being too smug. It sounds like he planned this or at least knew how it would play out.

>>25021667
We're not betting...we're taking advantage of our enemies pride

At least that's how I'm phrasing it.

>>25021501
I say we don't bet on this tilt and just watch

>>25021688

An enemy surrounded by friends who are just as willing to cause a red herring with their bets.

I don't like the situation. And we could be losing a lot of coin here. And are also not keeping to our original word. Great lording.

>>25021716
We've lost a hundred gold, this is a chance to make it back on an obviously rigged match. After this we won't bet.

>>25021688
Belmore seems like the kind of cunt that would have his SON take a fall to con people.

Let's not risk all our cash.

>>25021574
>>25021565
>>25021563
>>25021552
>>25021537
>>25021579
>>25021701
>>25021649
>>25021640
>>25021622
>>25021614
>I'll pass.

"As you wish, Hangman. I can't blame you, after such a sour first gamble."

Giving the signal, the irritatingly jovial Lord Belmore gives the signal for the tilt to begin.

It's a difficult one. Ser Artly has been the star of the tournament so far but it is likely that Cador Belmore, son of Benedar himself, squired for the elderly tourney knight and might even know a few of his tricks. The first charge is a dull one, with both shattering their lances on each others' shields and circling about to seize new ones. The second charge is a little more exciting, with Ser Artly shattering his lance on the younger Belmore's breastplate and the heir to Strongsong planting the tip of his lance firmly in the centre of the elderly knight's breastplate, almost knocking him clean off his horse. Much to the displeasure of the crowd, the final round is a mirror of the second with no sign of dismounting or injury, just the elderly Ser Artly swaying in his saddle. No injury, no drama, no show. But when it comes down to points, Ser Cador Belmore was the clear victor.

A few murmurs come from the group of gamblers, much to the joy of the grinning Benedar. Lord Saul purses his lips and Lord Badics gives the fat ginger the most poisonous glare you've ever seen. You'd swear he's almost about to murder the man.

>Roll 3d6, accepting the second roll.

>>25021733
Rigged which way?

Everyone will expect the Knight to fold to the Heir.

Belmore could make a fucking mint rigging it the other way.

>>25021666
We ourselves went a few rounds against a tourney knight too.

So, we're going to be down a knight for the most part, if he lives he'll be down to a garrison knight at best with his leg. It wont change much for him, barring his shamed honor. What we gained though was a lowborn Squire to be raised by Ser Tenly, the boy of our new master of hounds.

>>25021733
Ha! a rigged bet, that sounds so likely, especially after that hedge knight woman (Who is in no way getting her armor back either.) I know we dont like her much because of her belmore connection since they sponsored her, but she 'may' be worth looking into.

>>25021782
CALLED IT.

>>25021793
Why won't she get her armor back?

>>25021786

But everyone is betting against the heir. I really don't think Belmore would be willing to sacrifice both money AND his family pride on theo ff chance to mess with us

>>25021782
Fuckin' knew it, should have bet.

Rolled 2, 5, 3 = 10

>>25021782
Yep, called it. We'd be up now if we'd bet.

Rolled 6, 1, 6 = 13

>>25021782

Rolled 4, 5, 3 = 12

>>25021782
Rollan'

>>25021782

I TOLD YOU SO

Damnit, Belmore has this rigged

Hold on, let me count. how many votes were there for passing and how many for betting?

>>25021786
I hate to say I told you so... ah, who am I kidding. I TOLD YOU SO.

>>25021782
damn. What's the 3d6 for?

I hope its for someone to call Sir benedar on this.

If not I propose we do it.

>>25021840
4 votes for passing, 4 votes for betting on Cador, 2 votes for betting on Artly.

We shouldn't have been betting in the first place, I thought we were smarter than this.

>>25021856
Another vote to pass here

>>25021793
>It wont change much for him, barring his shamed honor.
Nah, he fought on even wounded and lost to the best Knight here!

This was going to be his last hurrah. This was probably the best end he was hoping for.

As long as he survives, he'll be fine.

>>25021832
Not too shabby, considering our luck with rolls.

>>25021840
4 for betting on Cador, 4 for passing, and 2 for betting on Artly.

>>25021860
You know this is the situation where betting would have benefited us, right?

>>25021860

Agreed. We are a Steward at heart, this is not our game. And if the last few days have proven anything, we are not blessed with good fortune at this Tourney.

>>25021882
That might be the case, but it seems like a lot of people realized that match wasn't a game of chance. It wasn't really betting. It was obviously rigged. Any bastard with a lick of brootal kunnin' coulda seen it.

>>25021871
Yea, he intended for this to be his last Tourney, so losing to the best knight here was probably the best he could hope for. I just hope he's alright really.

We should land him, I think, let him mostly retire.

>>25021879
Gambling with that kind of wealth is dumb, regardless of whether or not we would have won in this particular instance. We shouldn't have been drawn into in the first place.

>>25021915

We were talking about landing a knight earlier. This may well be the best opportunity to do so.

Good thinking.

>>25021818
She got her armor undoubtedly by the Belmores, her horse too possibly. A hedgeknight typically doesn't have the coin to buy back their armor after they lose a match too. I'm a betting man in a different way, and im betting they wont give the armor back out of the goodness of their hearts.

We do have a few hedgeknights among the Woodsmen though dont we?

>>25021923
It would've been a display of intelligence. It would've told Belmore we saw what he was up to. We knew the match was rigged. Now we just look like an oblivious noble along with all the rest of them.

>>25021915
I would like that too

>>25021939
Then let's capitalize on that then. The more people who dislike Belmore the better imho, and we can use more sworn swords

>>25021945

And what is wrong with that? Perhaps now he sees us as defeated and that our little surge in power is petering out. It will keep us from his mind so when we begin making moves later it will surprise him more.

That and I doubt the other lords are oblivious. They could very well just be making the bet to seek favor.

>>25021939
Hedgeknights don't have a Lord, so no we don't have any hedgeknights because the cease to be hedgeknights when they enter into our service.

>>25021939
Checked back there to be sure

>A handful of them are hedge knights and sell swords, eager to put their skills to use. But most of them are your own boys, native to Westpass. Hunters and trappers and even a handful of smugglers sick of being trodden on by hillfolk, they gladly accepted the training of the mercenary captains and began their transformation into a strong fighting force.

Yup, a few landless men go by Ser, with their own names and heraldry.

>>25021975
>That and I doubt the other lords are oblivious. They could very well just be making the bet to seek favor.
Judging by their reactions?

I doubt that

>>25021975
1.) It insults our pride. He probably also rigged the matches so that Sir Morys, our best knight, would go against Bronze Yohn.

2.) At the moment we want him on his toes, we want him to consider us a threat. Otherwise he'll just stomp all over us and do what he wants.

>>25021980
ok then, we already 'Hired' some Former hedgeknights.

>>25021832
You can see why the two lords have reacted in such a way. You managed to catch a few brief glimpses of Ser Artly adjusting his shield during the charge, moving it to the side and purposefully exposing his breastplate after the first round of the tilt. The old bastard put himself in a position where he'd clearly lose, there's no other way of explaining it. This tilt was determined before it even began.

"I thought you were above such things, Lord Belmore. All this, for a little more gold in your coffers?" The words come out in a hiss from Palfrey.
"Hardly for gold. For glory." Despite that smug, knowing smile on the face of your obese host, Lord Palfrey manages to restrain himself from lashing out at the man. Whatever he means, you'll wait and see.

>Next Tilt
>Ser Marwyn of House Belmore shall ride against Ser Byllabyr, Sworn to House Wydman.

"I'll pass," muttered by the bloody-haired lord with the black mood.
"No need for a bet on this one," comes from Lord Saul. Lord Egen's head bobs in agreement.
"A hundred on Ser Marwyn Belmore," from Lord Belmore.
"Hundred on Marwyn," from Ser Andar.

>If you pass, there will be no bet as no one has placed a bet on the opposing knight.

>>25022013

Because our pride after being trounced in one round, lack the ability to speak without insult at a feast, and poor betting is at the forefront of our mind? That is being too prideful in things we do not have or can control.

Rolled 4, 1, 1 = 6

>>25022038

Pass.

We do not deal with men who would cheat for glory

>>25022038
Pass, if only to deprive him of gold.
"You know, I must wonder. What other matches did Lord Belmore rig for glory? Perhaps Sir Morys would have been knocked out in an earlier round and spared the lance of Bronze Yohn..."

>>25021958
>>25021935
Yes, once he's back on his feet and we've built that third tower. We'll land him and put him in charge of North Field.

>>25022056
>Poor betting
You keep saying that but it was obviously rigged and everyone else except you seems to realize this. You fucked up, admit it, lets move on.

>>25022038

Pass and remove ourselves from their company. We should find better grounds. This is actually infuriating to deal with me.

I really want to kill every Belmore

>>25022038
"I pass-the mumers at the wharf don't charge you a hundred dagrons to watch their plays. And I find they're better at acting."

>>25022060
Obviously. Not sure if we should say it outloud though.

>>25022109

This is a good one.

>>25022069

Poor betting in regards to our original bet. We did not need to do it but we did it regardless because it was our man. That in terms of the narrative is considered a poor bet and one we lost when obviously everyone else bet otherwise.

And it is obvious that I, among others, were wrong about the other bet. Who cares. This is a quest. People are going to disagree and some people are going to play the character given a bit closer to heart then others. And make decisions they view as right. Arguing with someone because you have a different view of the character and how he should act is stupid.

>>25022013
>At the moment we want him on his toes, we want him to consider us a threat. Otherwise he'll just stomp all over us and do what he wants.

No. We want him to underestimate us. We want him to think we're an idiot that doesn't know his messages are being read and doesn't suspect him of the attacks.

We want him to send those men into our ambush.

Seriously, getting your enemy to underestimate you is strategy 101.

>>25022109
Let's go with this one, we'll see what the others say.