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[25, Month I - 288AC, Early Morning]

Silent prayer fell upon the whispers of the winds this morning, task had been done the few days passed of correcting any scratch or dent left by the battle near the Lynderly borders. You had thankfully been left unscathed for the most part, your vanguard taking the worst of it from the shield wall. Though your poor tower shield had taken far more of a beating than it had in years, perhaps since Ser Marc Terrick at the Tourney in Grimarbour. You had removed a handful of arrow heads, all of which matched those used by Ser Asher Harp, confirming that the bows had been stolen from your own armoury. Ser Trevor Trant had taken to the task of cataloguing everything once more, he had come upon perhaps fifty bows from what your men had gathered, unfortunately that meant there was at least another five score still in the Moon Swallow’s hands.
Taking in a deep breath you are thankful for the frigid, fresh air of your makeshift chapel, it had taken a few days for the smell of rancid piss to leave your nostrils. The vast majority of the battering your shield had taken was from the Bear Warrior, Crezok, son of Creyoak, his axe had failed to ever pierce your sterling defenses but had hewed a large crack down the center of your shield. Looking it over again you frown deeply, perhaps you would need a new one, you had owned this particular one for quite awhile now. You pause your prayers, allowing your fast to twist up in thought, mayhaps there would be an armourer or smith in Strong Song, you recalled the garish armour that Lord Benedar Belmore would wear to formal martial events, a part of you doubted the practicality of it but perhaps the smith was skilled with more than flair. In truth you could use a new, better shield for the upcoming Melee in Krayenport, briefly you consider your personal funds, seven gold dragons if your limited math skills served you correctly. Enough should you find something of worth.

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Lips return to silent prayer as you press the thought to the side, you can hear Parwyn Waynwood’s whistling outside the oaken doors and you gather that the mid-morning has drawn upon you. The day was strictly scheduled, wake, prayer, train with Parwyn, break fast and make final preparations with your council, take ship to Strong Song, arrive by the evening. In truth there was a stress to it, Maffew Shett had grown quiet when you asked how many letters from your liege had gone ignored before Ser Cador Belmore had decided to take the matter into his own hand. The answer was not a number but rather a time period, the past five months or the majority of the winter, for all your Lord knew you had frozen upon the spot and the Whitestone was dead. The most recent was the shortest, simply requested your and Lady Wylla Earp’s presence in Strong Song, though the language was, to quote Maffew, ‘a touch stronger than that’. You still hadn’t decided the best way to broach the topic of her kidnapping, Lord Benedar was not the best at taking harsh news you’ve learned. You remembered the day when Cador had been nearly crippled by Lord Yohns Royce, he had broken down into tears upon finding the mangled mess of his son, before turning to anger, such rage you had never seen before. Perhaps it had been the Lord Harrock’s final parting words that put him in such a rage you thought, not having been there to hear but only assuming it to be honestly distasteful and dishonorable to boot. But he had seethed for days thereafter, the pit in your stomach worried that your three day visit would be marred by the Lord’s underlying anger. Would it bode well for your request of a loan? Taking a final breath you shake your head of the idle thoughts, you could pray to the Crone for wisdom all you please but those words still need be your own in the end, the Warrior was your God, not the Crone unlikely it was for her to find presence upon your tongue.

Licking your fingers you put out the last of your candles, it was a humble thing now, having nearly finished itself upon its stand. A few days at best it had, and you had not the funds to purchase more from Wickenden, not without dipping into your House’s treasury, something you did not wish to do. Your words would need to do honor to the Seven for the foreseeable future it seemed. The final amen passes from your lips and you don the final piece of your armour, finishing the buckles upon your ribcage and standing in full. Eyes fall upon the wisps of smoke as they frame the charcoal portrait of the Warrior to your side, a ray of light falling from the broken ceiling and giving you a moment’s pause as you adjust your eyes.

>>1845542

A little forewarning on twitter would've been nice but it's good to have you back.

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Courage, Ser Landon Grallner… the winds whisper in your ears, you blink your eyes and look about the frame of smoke having cleared though your mind felt no less heavy. The weight upon your shoulders had built over the past month, you took solace in your Faith more and more after every battle, every setback, every betrayal. But there was that part of you that yearned, grew, the ambition upon the back of your mind. It had once been satisfied for a moment, gorging itself upon your accomplishments during the Taking of Gulltown, those seven Knights that laid dead by your hand. By those battles won during the Rebellion to your landing under Lord Belmore, a common-born man growing far beyond his station to hold the reigns of his own House and the ancient storied castle that it resided in. But it grew restless now, to improve, to expand beyond the past few years of contentment. You had felt the rust wearing away as you fought more and more sword landing heavier and with precision, your voice becoming clearer upon the field of battle the men rallying to your commands with ease and order, the long days of practicing in the yard with Parwyn and then taking those fights to the field had hardened muscle, and the fog that had cleared from your mind, the desire to learn beginning to form once again. Eyes still sit upon the Warrior though you feel pulled towards the Crone from the corners.

Ser Landon Grallner Leveling

>EXP: 33
>Please choose one of the following:

>Athletics from 4 to 5 for 30 EXP
Effect: Damage +1, Combat Defense +1
Time: 5 Weeks
Your body is honed and practiced but with time grows rust and even in your ever disciplined life it is possible to lose half a step from the past days of constant war and fighting. These days of constant fighting and your desire to constantly improve have brought you back to form, perhaps even beyond the days of the Earp’s Champion.

>Fighting from 5 to 6 for 30 EXP
Effect: +1D Fighting rolls (Fighting (Long Blades) pool improved to 6D+3B)
Time: 6 Weeks
The truth of what a True Knight is remains undefined. Some would say an Anointed Knight may only make such claims. Others would say only those that uphold the tenets of the Faith and his oath as a Knight. But perhaps there is a more simple definition, it is simply a man able to fight beyond the scope of his typical brother. Your war upon the Moon Swallows has lended to your ever growing need to improve as a warrior. The teachings you impart upon the young Waynwood cause your mind to warm. You’ve grown as a warrior, enough to even rival the greats of the Vale.

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>Language (Common) from 2 to 3 & Dedication from 0 to 1 for 20 EXP
Effect: Ability to read in the common tongue and understand sums at a basic level & Meeting requirements for Benefit: Pious
Time: 9 Months (Having no proper learned teacher makes this process especially difficult for Landon, getting a Maester, Septon, or Scholar will cut this down significantly if purchased during the above timeframe)
Maffew had been right, once you were dedicated to the idea of becoming a more learned man, to understand what had been happening within your own Household. Time had caused this to diminish, frustration had set in, and you felt yourself slipping into contentment. But now you felt a fool, no words would come from the scribbles upon the papers set before you, sums feel a task beyond your ability and perhaps it had caused this betrayal or at the very least help it succeed. You have no maester, no Septon, no scholar to learn your words or sums from, this would need to be a task of dedication and time.

>Warfare from 3 to 4 for 30 EXP
Effect: Ability to issue 4 commands during Warfare i.e. control 4 units, +1D to Warfare tests (Warfare (Command) dice pool improved to 4D+1B), & Meeting requirements for Benefit: Leader of Men.
Time: 4 Weeks
The war upon the Moon Swallows has done more than honed your fighting prowess and body it was reawakened your mind. Ser Cador Belmore’s example at the Skirmish at the Silver Mine, to the Betrayal of Whitestone Keep, to the Battle of the Border Lands, you find yourself leading your men more and more like the days of old as the Earp’s Knight-Command. Though now you feel the men’s loyalty more fiercely, the devotion to your cause is greater, the morale is higher. Your voice booms across the battlefield and you command the respect of your men and their discipline.

>Destiny Points: 2
You may choose to invest 1 of your Destiny Points in a new Benefit, found on pages 71-91 of A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying: Game of Thrones Edition you are not limited to the below options, but these are the ones that fit Landon the best. If you wish to pick an option that you do not meet the requirements for you will locked into increasing that ability the next time Landon has the appropriate amount of EXP, ex Landon picks Leader of Men without raising his Warfare stat to 4, the next time he has 30 EXP he will be required to spend it on Warfare to meet the base requirements of the Benefit.
>Please choose one of the following:

>Leader of Men for 1 DP
The men you lead would give their lives for you.
Requires: Warfare 4 (Command 1B)
Effect: Once per round of a skirmish or battle, you may automatically reorganize
one disorganized unit or rally one routed unit. Using this quality
does not count as an order

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>Pious for 1 DP
You have deep-seated conviction and unwavering devotion to the Seven.
Requires: Will 3 (Dedication 1B)
Effect: Once per day, you may call upon your Faith to help you and your efforts. You gain +1D on a single test of any ability.

>Shield Mastery for 1 DP
You are able to deflect attacks with ease when wielding a shield.
Requires: Fighting 3 (Shields 1B)
Effect: Increase the Defensive Bonus of any shield carried by +1 per rank in the Shields specialty, to a maximum of doubling the bonus granted by the shield. (i.e. +2 Combat Defense)

>None, save both Destiny Points

I'm awful at being a QM I know.

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This is Landon's current character sheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Nns7W-QIAngHsIM6j8XZR8_mCwRMnO8GArf6lSZw2aE/edit?usp=sharing

Updated a bit from the one I used in Malroy. You can find Faith Points, Glory, and personal coin on there now.

>Language (Common) from 2 to 3 & Dedication from 0 to 1 for 20 EXP
>Shield Mastery for 1 DP

We need to learn to read ASP and defense is always nice.

At least one good thing came from being forced to stay late at work, this starts just as I come home

>>1845552
>Athletics from 4 to 5 for 30 EXP
We have to get better to win the tourney coming up.
>Shield Mastery for 1 DP
>Shield Mastery for 1 DP
Both solid perks for Landon

>>1845555
>warfare
>leader of men
This way we can try our hardest to make sure our men don't break formation

>>1845555
Athletics and Shield Mastery

>>1845565
>>1845555

Just noticed it said one, so Pious.

>>1845569
Second

How long till we meet best boy Dad?

>>1845554
>>Language (Common) from 2 to 3 & Dedication from 0 to 1 for 20 EXP
>Pious for 1 DP
>Shield Mastery for 1 DP

>>1845562
2nd.

We really need to be able to read

So it looks like Shield Mastery is pretty popular, which makes sense for the tank of a character Landon is. So that's a DP spent and you still have 1 in the bank, note that was a choose 1 vote.

I don't want to call for the Ability vote on only six or seven votes. Especially since it's a tie. Maybe I'll revisit that vote when more players show up and we'll do a serious vote between just Athletics and Language.

Language is going to take 9 MONTHS anons why are you voting for it now? Wait till we get a septon WHICH CUTS DOWN THE TIME to get it.

>>1845601
Let's do it later

>>1845610

We still need to spend the xp to get it, better we start now and get the time reduce later on with a septon than begin later from zero, even with a septon.

>>1845552
>Athletics
>>1845555
>Shield Mastery

>>1845610
Because it's the cheapest option at 20, ergo by the time we've learned it we'll have more exp for a bunch of other stuff.

>>1845636
Taking it later won't reduce the time for the amount of work we did. If we get 30% in 3 months and then get the septon it would only effect the 70% left and wouldn't cover the time we already wasted on it. If the septon cuts the time in half we would have spent 6 months on it where we could have just spent 4.5 if we waited.

>>1845641
If its the least then we can put if off considering how easily it will be to get the points back.

I have been reading the sheet. Have we reached Champion of the Faith status?

>>1845552
Athletics
>>1845555
Get Pious as well. While I know how useful Destiny points are, being able to say +1D to any test once per day is amazing.

>>1845555
>shield mastery
>language

Guy not reading means we lose out on the ideal waifu unless we win TWO events.

>>1845737
The tourney is in 1 year though and getting a septon will cut down on time for it.

>>1845737
Or we woo her in a different way.

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>Revisit Ability vote, between Athletics and Language (Common) & Dedication, we’ll be doing a final destination vote for it later
>Destiny Point spent on Shield Mastery: +2 Defensive, Combat Defense 16>18

Parwyn Waynwood’s Character Sheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cpA6GCokQDzU2Q2TxCxqFR3GTppa_5ntOpW3706dMmE/edit?usp=sharing

“Again Parwyn,” you state simply, hefting your shield into place again. The boy is ragged and tired, his steps have begun to get sloppy, his form poorer. You are quick to correct him with a swat to the side and he perks up, his eyes flaring up with anger for a moment before he pulls his guard closer together again. You had begun to notice he was naturally quicker than you, perhaps an effect of his young age, but the past few days had done little to slow the boy down who seemed a constant the morning had begun to turn to midday by the time you are done though it is no less cold. Parwyn’s shield has slipped into the snow and he falls over into the light fluff upon his back, staring at the sky.

“Ser?”

“Yes squire,” you respond, placing the practice shield back upon the rack, watching Ser Michel the Sisterman and Ser Bryen Belmore finish up their spar and only half paying attention to the boy. The two Knights would be coming with you to Strong Song, the latter to collect his family and relocated them to Whitestone Keep, the former simply because he requested to and he had did little for you to respond with no.

“Do you…” he trails off and makes a series of noises not related to words in any way, “Do you ever get angry while fighting? Just mad, for no reason.”

You turn your head slightly, regarding him with half a look, “Anger leads to mistakes. It can be said that anger is born of passion but a man need check himself before he steps upon the field of battle. A Knight surrounds himself in the Faith, and keeps his calm.”

Parwyn sits up, shaking his loose hair free of the powdered snow and frowning, “I know Ser… I try to pray for help in controlling it but… But I just feel-”

“Ser!” a voice calls gaining your attention and you turn your head, his words faltering. You see Ser Asher Harp crossing the yard, garbed in travelers gear, he snaps off a quick salute and nods towards Parwyn before offering you his hand which you take with a hard shake.

“‘Bowmen and I are getting ready to head out, thought I’d do my final check in before you’re off to Strong Song.”

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You nod and listen as he rattles off his plans for the next week in the foothills of the Dawntower where you suspect the majority of the Moon Swallows are holed up, or at least the tribe’s leader. The former Irregulars amongst the ‘Bowmen will serve as guides and will map the area, looking for traps, secret pathways, anything out of the ordinary within the forests. Asher and the ‘Bowmen proper will be essentially providing security detail, with the former using his expansive tracking abilities to suss out the last of the Moon Swallows. They are under order to avoid direct conflict, though are not ordered to retreat should conflict arise unless significantly outnumbered.

Asher clears his throat as he finishes up his detail, “The Carver lad has been invaluable Landon. You wouldn’t believe the sort of shit he knows ‘bout the Mountains of the Dawn.”

“He simply does not inspire confidence Asher,” you state in easy dismissal, “Use him as you will. But I will not hear of him, nor the Irregular’s loyalties to him. Particularly if the latter becomes a problem, I do not so easily forget Eli and where his loyalties laid.”

Asher looks off to the side and flares his nostrils breathing out heavily, “As you say Ser,” he responds simply, “Best of luck in Strong Song, I hope you return with fund and arms, will help the morale significantly if we can get the boys outfitted better than the savages who have stolen their weaponry. And… I do not envy you.”

“My Faith will guide me,” you say and pat the Northman upon the shoulder, “May the Warrior defend you, Ser Asher Harp.”

“May the Old Gods protect you,” he responds and leaves off. You turn to where Parwyn had been sitting only to see he has left. You shake your head and head off for the great hall. Ser Trevor Trant and Maffew Shett are both awaiting you there in utter silence, having broken their fasts earlier, separately. They both go to stand as you enter but are waved off when you take your seat and tuck into the sparse meal. Fish head soup you are told by the servant, a meal was a meal, all the same.

Maffew is the first to speak, “Ser, the Household is prepared for the voyage to Strong Song. We will be accompanying the month’s silver shipment. Not a grand ship, a petty cog called the Spruce Sound. As discussed we will be arriving by this evening, no stops. Your brothers have already boarded, Lincoln’s condition having barely improved in his time in the Keep. Jonothor will be doing his best to lead the First in their absence.”

“Would be better if we could keep it that way,” Trevor says without a hint of hiding it as he shifts, his arms crossed, “All we have left is the matter of who is staying.”

>>1845743
>Or we woo her in a different way.

Landon's stats for wooing are abysmal and not being able too read is basically a huge do not want ever.

>>1845742
DOubt we'll get one fast enough to actually learn what we need too

>>1845559

I need a remainder on when the Tourney was and how much time do we need to prepare for it.

However, my choice is:

>Fighting

While getting even more tanky is very tempting, an extra die will do wonders when we eventually encounter challenging opponents

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Quiet resumes over the room, Maffew coughs and pushes back in his seat, the wooden legs scraping on the stone, “Well… This is a trip of business, rather than of martial Tourney. I believe I will be of better use to you, Ser, if I accompany you. I understand the House’s finances the best, will know a bum deal when I see one, and will be able provide answers perhaps you could not. Not to mention that the Whitestone is still under threat to some degree, Ser Trevor Trant would be more able to defend the Keep and lead our forces than I should the worst come to pass.”

Trevor grumbles under his breath hardly offering a rebuttal save, “Lord Belmore respects me, begrudgedly but he does all the same. He wouldn’t dream of offering you less than an honorable deal should I come.”

The quiet resumes and Maffew again coughs, you hope he is not coming down with something, though he goes to speak again all the same.

“Your decision Landon,” he spits out quickly, “Oh, and a final thing, Ser, the gift is ready as well. A wise decision to be certain, I do hope it does more to quell Lord Belmore’s wroth.”

>Accompanying Landon to Strong Song
Liam Grallner
Lincoln Grallner
Ser Bryen Belmore
Ser Michel the Sisterman

>Staying in Whitestone Keep
Ser Steffon Stonesifer
Jonothor
Ser Asher Harp (In the field)

Who will stay in Whitestone Keep as castellan?
>Ser Trevor Trant
>Maffew Shett

What sort of gift did Landon get for Lord Benedar Belmore?
>Ideas? Opinions?

>>1845748
Learning to read doesn't take long as an adult than as a kid the only reason it takes 9 months is because we have no one to teach us. We could probably learn it with a septon in two months like Brynden did.

>>1845757
>Ser Trevor Trant STAYS
We trust him and he's a military man

We bring Shett because we might be doing more bargaining while we are there and need a man of numbers.

>As for the gift
Something practical that he will get use out of regularly. Kinda depends on the kinda bloke he is

>>1845757
>>Ser Trevor Trant
Better to have someone ready to deal with Mountain clans bullshit.
>Ideas? Opinions?
A silver medallion of the faith personalized with the Belmore banner.

>>1845757
>>Maffew Shett
>>Trevor the threat is real here, and while he may not respect Maffew, if he offers a poor deal he could very well lose these lands and his vassal. You need to stay here to make sure we lose no more and the clansmen do not get bold.

>Gift
Something he'd use regularly off good make, with symbols of the faith in silver if possible.

>>1845757
>>Ser Trevor Trant

What sort of gift do you get for a fat rich man?

>Maffew Shett

We really cannot afford another trade deal like the last, and having someone who actually knows about coin will help in not getting loan-sharked by our liege.

Also, we need a true and tried warrior to protect our lands and castle if the Moon Swallows try raiding again. Someone with the skill and experience to make a decision.

>Gifts:

What about any kind of banners or symbols from the defeated Moon Swallows? Something our Belmore can brag about or hung in his hall for all to see.

Maybe the Moon Swallows camp had some silver jewelry, however crude it is. That might be a fine additional gift too, if only as curiosity.

>>1845800
>>1845757

Me and my complete inability to link

Just so you guys know I am counting the votes correctly even if you are voting incorrectly. I get what's going on, it was kind of hard to state that question, maybe I should have done it the opposite.

Looks like a silver item of the Faith is the popular option. That'll work, jewelry works.

I am late and i blame Father!

>>1845800
I meant, Trevor Trant stays and Maffew goes with us.

Ded ?

“Maffew you will be accompanying me to Strong Song,” you say giving the two a look, “I cannot afford to leave Whitestone Keep undefended, a true and tested Knight who has been the castellan before. Should the Moon Swallows be so foolish as to attack the Keep I need my best defending her. And it is true, I will need someone who understands House Grallner’s finances better than I should matters of coin be spoken of as I intend.”

You pause, the silence filling the room once again.

“I am trusting both of you to do what you are best at,” you state simply, “Do not betray that with petty bickering.”

Standing you dismiss them both a quick wave, neither of them offering a word otherwise, you are glad to not hear a rebuttal from either or the typical jabs towards the other. You finish your meal quickly, leaving the last few bites alone and decide it is time to leave off of your home for the first time in two years. You collect your squire, say your final goodbyes, and mount up upon Warrior and head to the dock town where a small skiff awaits you. The town’s square is far quieter this time, and you note about the lack of fishermen or anyone attempting to sell wares. Since the crackdown upon the whorehouses the dock town had grown even more quiet than it was before, the execution of Eli the Scout and his cohorts had also quelled any further rebellion. You would need to purchase and convert one of the houses you think, for the almsgiving that was. Perhaps it would give the square something to build around… A small ambition.

---

The Spruce Sound is a slow cog you find upon the deck, facing towards the west, no doubt made worse by the silver caged up below deck. The Captain is a scruffy older man, likely the same age as Cyrol, he does you honor, offering his cabin for your use in the short voyage, but you wished to stand upon the deck for some reason.

“Why do they call you the Sisterman?” you overhear Ser Bryen Belmore ask your other Knight, Ser Michel.

He smiles wiry and holds up his hands, “I gots the mark.”

Bryen leans forward squinting hard, “I’ve seen men with webs up to their fingertips,” he says with a laugh, “Reports of your ‘mark’ are greatly exaggerated Ser Michel, besides I was told you were knighted by a Lynderly, how does a Sisterman end up in the Snakewood?”

Michel scoffs and takes a swing from his flask and offering it to Ser Bryen who looks about nervously a moment before eyes land upon you and he looks to the deck shaking his head. Michel recedes the offer, taking a second swig before speaking again, “So, your Lady-wife?”

Belmore laughs and nods his head, “I can not wait to see her again,” he says, “I wish to hold her in my arms again and take comfort in her and allow her to take comfort in me. The passing of our son is better mourned together.”

“Aye,” Michel utters, “Will she be returning with us?”

“Ser Landon has given his blessing. Her and my daughters, Cynthia and Celine. As it happens she is related to Ser Steffon, second cousins I believe? She is a Fossett, he is a Fossett bastard, Seven if I know, she’s better with that than I. Perhaps she will take solace in his being there.”

“And why wouldn’t she take her solace regardless?”

Bryen sighs and looks towards you, his eyes casting downwards and not answering with words. You decide it best to take a short break from the elements inside the Captain’s cabin.

---

The rest of the voyage is a drawn out affair, not swift nor particularly enjoyable, Greatgorge is frozen over in parts and you find yourself trapped in the ice for a moment or two before the Captain manages to unlodge his ship and continue on. The last hour of the trip you spend waiting on the deck, looking towards the island of Strong Song where the Westflow and Virgin River meet. In the distance, within the hills and forests of the island you can see the castle. It is a thing of beauty rather than practicality you muse. Perhaps the only reason it is considered so grand a defensive locale is because it is on an island, surrounded by treacherous terrain. But the towers peak high in the area, bright and colored in the sun’s waning hours. Upon the air you can hear the bells of the port below tolling in response to your arms being flown by the cog. A cacophony of noise, though one you find soothing, their sweet song reminds you of a Sept that was once in Whitestone Keep before Lord Earp tore down the bell tower to sell off the bell, likely to pay a debt. You push idle thoughts from your mind and continue your watch as you make port, disembark and are greeted by Ser Marwyn Belmore and a retinue of pikemen dressed in silver and sashed with purple. A child’s fairytale they were, and you could tell Ser Marwyn was the least of all amused by their presence. Lord Belmore’s younger brother dismounts his horse and offers a hand as your party approaches.

“Ser Landon Grallner, it is good to see you again, I trust you are well, the voyage went well?”

“Yes Ser, to all. And the pleasure is mine,” you say taking his hand and giving him a curt bow with the shake. Ser Marwyn was an impressive specimen of True Knighthood, he exemplified the standard in your opinion. He was a Tourney champion about the Vale, though the last time you saw him ride personally was in a losing effort to Lord Yohns Royce. He wears the armor of silver and little bells that Lord Benedar favors for ceremony and such events, and you were surprised by it.

“Well then, we’re to accompany you to the castle,” Marwyn says with little pause, straight and to the point, an easy man to get along with in truth, “We’ll be there before dusk. I was mostly sent to guard Lady Wylla Eapr but… No matter. My Lord-brother will be taking evening prayer, Ser Landon, if you wish to join him after you partake in salt and bread.”

“It would be my honor,” you respond with a lift in your voice, there was a certain excitement about seeing the Strong Song chapel again. Hopefully you would be able to find time to see the Sept in all her glory in the coming days as well.

If the unnecessary pikemen, or pitched roofs that pointed towards the sky upon the castle’s towers were not enough to make the island of Strong Song seem a tall tale the journey itself from the quaint little port, up the winding trail through forest and scenic vale certainly did the trip. You were once told by Lord Earp that Lord Belmore had spent half a fortune constructing the road, taking every possible unnecessary turn he could to make the journey seem like a dream. He then proceeded to spit upon the road. You remembered those words now, riding alongside Ser Marwyn, but held your spittle.

Upon the approach to the castle itself you groan to find more pikemen, the things so tall and unwieldy it was rather laughable. The two guards uncross their pikes as you enter and you are greeted by the sound of bells again as you enter the courtyard, even in the dead of winter it was kept, evergreen shrubbery grew in neat patterns about the yard, knee high walls of stone framed the walkways cleared of snow where a few Ladies-in-Waiting sat. You hardly give them a passing look but frown when you hear the giggling that follows as you walk by them. Ser Marwyn takes your party to the grand hall, where it here that you remember the gaudiness of the Belmores. Where you took pride in what little you had, Lord Belmore took pride in everything he could possibly have. Royal purple drapes about the rafters of the grand hall, banners of the bells of House Belmore hang upon every wall, all twenty-four fireplaces roar with life. And again, more bells ring as you enter the hall, held in the rafters again, and ringing when your name is announced.

Ser Marwyn takes the bread and salt from the servant, offering it to each of your party in turn. You were surprised to see the man do such things, but then again, he was a True Knight, there was no truer courtesy to do upon your guests.

“Maester Fallaways is in his tower,” Marwyn says when he looks your brother up and down, “Greensick?”

“More like mortally wounded,” Liam spits back only to culled with a stern look from yourself. You wave him off and he departs with Lincoln upon his shoulder.

“Bryen… I am sorry to hear what happened to Cley. We all mourn for him,” Marwyn offers, taking his cousin in a heavy embrace, “Lady Sara is waiting in your quarters, allow me to escort you. Ser Landon, I take it you remember the way?”

You nod and watch as Ser Marwyn, Bryen and Michel leave off the opposite direction, leaving you alone in the almost oppressively purple grand hall. With a quick shake of your head you take a hallway towards the sound of lighter bells, Lord Earp had once told you that you only need follow the bells to learn your way about the castle. Though these were the only ones you remembered particularly. The entrance to the chapel is as grand as you would expect, oaken doors thrice your size, those insufferable pikemen stationed outside, the rightmost gives you leave to enter through the port door and you enter a true chapel of the Faith for the first time in years. You pause a moment at the entrance, taking in a deep breath, the smell of incense and the Wickenden candles lofting through the air. To the right is a choir practicing, young boys all. And before you are the Seven in all their glory, each a marvelously carved statue of marble, lined with silver, gold, and platinum to give them a shining edge in the low candlelight. Kneeled before them all is the obese form of Lord Benedar Belmore, your liegelord. You would know it was him even if you could not tell from the fat merely by the shock of orange hair that frizzes out from upon the top of his head, though you now see gray inching its way up the sides of his temples as you approach, had it truly been that long? As you approach he hardly stirs, his hands idly turning a prayer wheel as he continues with the evening prayers. You touch the holy water held by a basin before the Seven, anointing yourself with the Seven pointed star before kneeling beside him.

“My Lord.”

“Ser Grallner,” Belmore says with a hard lump in his throat, he had grown fatter since the last time you had seen him, “It was here I first met you. Do you remember, Ser?”

“I do my Lord,” you respond quickly, “I was Emmerst’s Champion. I fought in a trial for him against Ser Artly of Belham.”

“And won,” Belmore says with a scoff, “Oh how I hated that you won.”

Silence resumes itself and you become slightly uncomfortable attempting to find words you respond, “I am sorry my Lord?”

He scoffs, puffing himself up, “You need not apologize Ser Grallner. Had it not been for my folly in trusting Ser Artly thereafter in training my son perhaps I would not be so bloody damn well concerned when I hear reports that he is fighting upon your lands! Something I have strictly forbidden any of my bannermen allowing!”

He draw back, his voice echoing over the chorus, their songs interrupted by the outburst. You quickly regain form, pressing eyes towards the floor, “My apologies my Lord.”

“Is that all your good for Ser Grallner!?” he yells, “Apologies and sorries? I hear of my kin’s death upon your lands. Of my only son and heir fighting upon your lands with a knee ready to be shattered at any moment and you come to my home after months, MONTHS without so much as a single word and all you have is a sorry!? I’ve half a bloody mind to marry the Earp girl off to whatever Hedge Knight I can find this evening and give them the Keep, where is she? Where is the girl?”

Your eyes remain upon the marble floor, you take a shallow breath and brace for the worst, “She was taken.”

Silence falls over the room, only the heavy ragged breath of Lord Belmore fills your ears, “And to think, I was ready to offer my cousin as a bride. Ser Grallner you disappoint me,” he says and makes to stand a struggling thing due to his girth, he props himself up on a pew and shakes as he regards you, “We have much to speak of Ser Grallner. Take your rest, upon luncheon we will speak again, and you will give me every detail of what has occurred upon your domain within the last month or so help me Seven it shan’t be any longer, do I make myself clear?”

“Yes my Lord.”

“Good,” he draws out and walks away, his heavy footfall hardly muffled by the slippers upon his feet.

Your eyes still cast upon the floor, in shame. You could not lie, honor-bound by your vows, Lord Belmore would have the truth of it, but it pained you. Cador had not been lying when he said his father was far more wroth with you than he was. You allow yourself some small solace in taking prayer before the idols of the Seven, you offered them to the Father, the Mother, the Warrior, the Smith, the Crone. For guidance, wisdom, protection, and deliverance. You take in a deep breath and enjoy the sight a moment longer before wandering off towards the grand hall again where you are met by a servant who escorts you to your room. Upon your bed you find a doublet of navy blue and cloth of gold, a not so subtle order as it was with Cador you imagine, disrobing from your armour you take to bed quickly, with dreamless night.

---

Upon the morning you find yourself awake early and without cause. There hadn’t been an itinerary for the day, your typical routine lost upon the foreign household. All you knew is you would need to be in the grand hall for luncheon with Lord Belmore until then, the day was yours.

What to do?
>Travel to port, where Strong Song’s Sept is located, prayer was worth the short trip
>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield
>Break your fast with whomever else is up this early in the grand hall, despite your less than stellar social skills
>Something else?

Jesus christ two hour post. Too long I know but I wanted to get that all done and I got distracted halfway through and here we are.

>>1846215
>>Break your fast with whomever else is up this early in the grand hall, despite your less than stellar social skills

>>1846215
>Break your fast with whomever else is up this early in the grand hall, despite your less than stellar social skills

>>1846215
>Break your fast with whomever else is up this early in the grand hall, despite your less than stellar social skills

>>1846215
>>Break your fast with whomever else is up this early in the grand hall, despite your less than stellar social skills

>>1846215
>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield
Get that shield fixed.

>>1846215
>>Travel to port, where Strong Song’s Sept is located, prayer was worth the short trip

>>1846215
>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield

>>1846215
>>Travel to port, where Strong Song’s Sept is located, prayer was worth the short trip

>>1846215
>>Travel to port, where Strong Song’s Sept is located, prayer was worth the short trip

The servants have drawn a bath for you, which is a rare luxury in Whitestone Keep, you almost flinch away from the warmth of the bath the first time your fingers graze its surface. You bid them leave and disrobe, taking the small pleasure as you contemplate what you would be doing with the day. The vista from your room is rather impressive, the bay windows overlook a valley, filled with mist and trees, the island of Strong Song was as beautiful as you had remembered. Those days were much darker now in retrospect, you were firmly upon leash, the Butcher was at his height. It did you little harm to batter down Ser Artly of Belham and win that trial for Lord Earp. You do not even remember what the trial was over.

A manservant enters unannounced, startling you a touch, a towel over his arm and his eyes upon the far wall, “A shave and a cut my lord?” he asks simply.

Running your hands through your beard and hair you realize it had grown wild and untamed over the past few months, the mess you must look. Turning to him you nod and he gracefully goes about his work, clipping away the shag of your hair and neatly parting it to one side upon the top, keeping the sides and back close to the skin and doing away entirely with your beard, leaving just sideburns to your earlobes and nothing else. You knew the fresh face would hardly last a week with how quickly your hair grew but all the same it was a refreshing start. Again, there was little doubt that it was by Lord Belmore’s order, but it was a welcome one.

The water begins to go lukewarm as you idly sit a moment after and you decide it best to simply get about with the day. Perhaps you should make yourself known for once rather than hide away as you did the last time. As you redress, you look at yourself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the face nor the brief smile it flashes before you turn away and don your doublet and pantaloons. You frown at the selection of footwear, deciding upon a leather boot instead and leaving your hands uncovered, though welcome the warmth of the cloak Cador had gifted you. You looked half a Lord now, you briefly think allowing a second look in the mirror. A man that was not of common stock. You finger the simple seven pointed star that hung about your neck and offer a quick prayer, asking forgiveness for your excess before leaving the room and making for the grand hall to break your fast.

The hall is sparsely populated when you arrive, a handful of men and women are about taking their meal. You spy upon the far side Ser Bryen Belmore surrounded by a medley of women, a portly one sat next to him, her arm wrapped through his, a smile upon her face. You notices you and stands, waving his arm over for you to join the party of purple and silver that surrounds him.

“Ser Landon Grallner,” he says with a curt bow, “I would like for you to meet my family. My lovely wife, Lady Sara Fossett,” he says gesturing towards his wife to his right, the portly woman in stark contrast to his thin form, “My beautiful daughters, Cynthia and Celine,” they each shared their mother’s traits it appeared, “And my younger sister, Lady Belissa Belmore.”

Taking each hand in turn and offering a light kiss you give pause when you finish upon the Lady Belissa as she giggles and turns red from the gesture, causing you to gain color in your checks as well. She was a pretty sight, you admit, her auburn hair held in a braid that hung over her shoulder past her breasts, a smattering of freckles across her nose make the bright blue of her eyes seemingly pop, her smile doing the same. You look about and attempt word, “A pleasure, my Ladies.”

“Oh it is ours,” Lady Sara says, “Please sit with us Ser Landon. Girls scoot over for the good Knight. Taking the offered seat ebtween the two young Belmore girls you are quickly given a plate of blood sausages, eggs, hash, thick slab bacon, and tomatoes, a fruit you had not seen since the summer. A goblet of brown ale is place beside you as well and you push it away giving the servant a look, “I do not drink, water is fine.”

“Of course m’lord, apologies.”

“And another for myself,” Bryen pipes in, his eyes resting upon your abandoned drink which Lady Sara is quick to scoop away and push to the side. She speaks, “I understand I have you to thank for the return of my husband?”

You give her a long look, her eyes are solemn and sad and you swallow hard, “My Lady I offer my deepest apologies for what occurred upon my lands. I did not blame your husband for his wroth, only offered my hand in guidance with the Faith away from drink and wallowing. I would offer my prayers for you as well, if you will have it.”

She purses her lips and nods, a tear on the corner of her eyes, “You are a good man Ser Landon,” she says, “I do hope your positive influence will continue when we return to your home.”

“I swear it my Lady,” you respond receiving a nod in turn.

Bryen drinks deeply from his cup, you suspect he wishes it was alcohol, thankfully he had been away from the drink since your encounter, as far as you were aware, but the stresses of the return to Strong Song were surely weighing upon him heavily. The girls idly chatter about you, asking you questions from time to time about their new home.

“Can my tutor come Ser Landon?” Cynthia asks, “She is teaching me to cross stitch. I am very good with a needle she says,” the girl says with a pretty little smile.

“Of course, if Lord Belmore will allow it,” you respond with a small laugh and the girls bounce up and down in excitement. In truth the conversations were brutal affairs, you were a blunt and honest man, attempting to add lift to your voice to soothe a young girl was not your exact strong suit.

“Are there any girls for us to play with?” Celine asks and you have to hold back a frown.

“Unfortunately not many,” you say after a pause.

“Not if Lord Belmore has anything to say about it,” Sara mutters causing Lady Belissa to go red again and push her.

“Sara!”

She laughs and you share an utterly confused look with Bryen.

“Did he not tell you?” Lady Sara asks her husband, and upon examining his reaction further, “Oh Seven save us. He already asked your elder brother’s permission, Branson I mean. Not Bradic.”

Bryen’s eyes widen and he looks at Sara a moment, “Oh. Ohhhh. Ohh… Uh… No. He did not.”

You glance between the three of them, Belissa is beat red, Bryen is wide eyed and Sara looks exasperated. Having not a single idea what they are speaking of you dig into your food once more in silence, finishing the meal and politely excusing yourself. Bryen is happy to allow it but Sara protests for some unknown reason but relents after you are made to promise a dance with Lady Belissa at the grand feast in two nights. You dread it.

Looking about the grand hall no one of particular interest is about and you decide to go elsewhere.

What to do?
>Travel to port, where Strong Song’s Sept is located, prayer was worth the short trip
>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield
>Something else?

>>1846450
>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield

They are talking about marring her to Landon?

>>1846450
>>Travel to port, where Strong Song’s Sept is located, prayer was worth the short trip

>>1846450
>>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield

>>1846450
>>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield

How are ya dad?

>>1846450
>>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield
Get that shield fixed, but lets go to the sept before we leave though.

>>1846450
>>Travel about the castle, to the bailey and the yard, surely you could find the castle’s armourer about there, you needed a new shield

Byren likes 'em big eh, good on him

>>1846450
>>Travel to port, where Strong Song’s Sept is located, prayer was worth the short trip

>>1846462
>They are talking about marring her to Landon?

Landon isn't that great with context clues, but yeah.

>>1846471
>Byren likes 'em big eh, good on him
Sara wasn't this big when they married but ballooned after the three kids. He's one of the lucky few that got to marry for love.

>>1846489
I'm just glad she makes him happy to be honest. Especially after they lost their son. There's always someone for everyone.

And I partially share his tastes.

>We meet our old camp-follower

Perhaps something more your speed, more within your comfort zone. Though you were without your armour weighing upon your shoulders, the bailey and the yard felt more like home than anywhere else. Gathering your broken shield from the armoury you head out with it slung upon your arm haphazardly. The morning is brisk as you exit the castle and are, again, treated to the vista of the mountains surrounding Strong Song, cut into a great valley, blanketed in snow. About the yard a smattering of men are training, drilling and sparring. You find Parwyn Waynwood sitting upon a bench watching a handful of squires facing off against one another, he answers your whistle and comes to your side as you walk about and watch.

“Ser? Some of the boys were talking about a Squire’s Melee tomorrow,” Parwyn says as he follows after you. You’ve paused to watch a contingent of Heavy Infantry drilling and feel a secret jealousy knowing you did not have the coin nor resources to field such men. You swallow it with a quick prayer before regarding your squire.

“A Melee?”

He nods quickly, “Yes Ser. Lord Belmore is hosting it in your honor they say. Prize is a Knighthood from your own hand.”

Your face twists up, “I did not agree to any such thing. Rumors and hearsay, Parwyn. You should know better.”

Parwyn frowns, “Of course Ser.”

The two of you find your way to the craftsmen’s area about the grounds; a bowyer, mastersmith, and master armourer all make their home here you’re told by one of the pikemen that almost loses his balance attempting to hold his pike. The three of them and at least two score apprentices, supposedly they’ve been working nonstop the past year, even through winter. Require shipments of Bordain iron, Egen wood, and Back goose feathers arrive every month and they’ve been on high production ever since. The pikemen doesn’t know what is being done with it all but shrugs when asked if it is being sold before cantering off in his ridiculous step.

Parwyn is able to identify the master armourer’s workshop before you, his ability to read signs a rather helpful boon, upon entering you a greeted with a furnace of heat, a welcomed relief from the cold of the day. A brawny man of muscle greets you, covered in soot.

“Welcome to me humble shop m’lord. Name’s Garrette, what can I help you with?”

Placing your shield upon his table you gesture towards the large crack in the wood that leads from the boss to the right most corner and buckling the frame a few bolts having gone missing. He takes a single look at it and then looks to you with a quirked eyebrow.

File: HouseGrallnerCoA.png (58 KB, 615x727)

58 KB PNG

“You want me to turn it into fire kindlin’ m’lord? Because that’s all the much good it’s worth anymore. Structure been ruined. That crack can’t be repaired much without unbalancing the lot of it. Sorry m’lord, respectfully, I believe you need a new shield. Fortunately, with the all the heavies ‘bout I’ve my share of tower shields for you to pick from.”

You nod and he smiles, a gappy thing and yells at a few of the boys about to gather shields and place them on the table before you, all plain and unadorned.

“Got three of ‘em to choose from m’lord. First is the common shield, what most of the men be using mhm. Fifty stags for that. Second is a bit more aggresive, say it’s my finer work, the boss got a spike, the shield is designed for handling the rigors of bashin’ and offensive use. Hundred and fifty stags for that, same for the last. Built to last, touch bigger and heavier by you won’t have to worry about cracks in the wood, all steel. I reckon you could handle it m’lord.”

You examine each in turn, the common one is the lightest by far, and feels the most like your older one, but the two of superior make and design offer you far more options and variance, you could do for a change, a chance to learn something new upon your arm, a new challenge.

Garrette sniffs as you look about his shop, and pipes up when you stand before a wall of painted shields, “Got a lad whose real good with a brush, can paint you damn near anything, m’lord. Costs an extra twenty-five stags, might take a few days though.”

Purchasing a new shield from Garrette the master armourer:
>Common Tower Shield, no bonuses, 50 silver stags
>Superior Offensive Tower Shield, +1 to dice pool when attacking with shield, 150 stags
>Superior Defensive Tower Shield, +1 Defensive bonus Combat Defense from 18 to 19, 150 stags

Have the Shield Painted for 25 silver stags?
>Yay
>Nay

What to have painted on the shield?
>Your personal arms, >>1845547
>House Grallner’s arms, pic related
>The Seven-Pointed star of the Faith, >>1845555
>Something else?

[Intermission]

Going to tie it up here for the night. We will pick up again tomorrow/today Thursday 7 September at 2-3PM EST. The next scene will be taking luncheon with Lord Belmore and certain Pentoshi banker.

>>1846636
>>Superior Defensive Tower Shield, +1 Defensive bonus Combat Defense from 18 to 19, 150 stags
A good shield should last us a life time.

>Yay
>The Seven-Pointed star of the Faith
The faith shields us in multiple ways.

>>1846636
>>Superior Defensive Tower Shield, +1 Defensive bonus Combat Defense from 18 to 19, 150 stags
>Yay
>Your personal arms, >>1845547
but include a seven pointed star if possible.

>>1846636
>Superior Defensive Tower Shield, +1 Defensive bonus Combat Defense from 18 to 19, 150 stags
>Yay
>The Seven-Pointed star of the Faith

>>1846636
>Superior Defensive Tower Shield, +1 Defensive bonus Combat Defense from 18 to 19, 150 stags

>Yay

>The Seven-Pointed star of the Faith

>>1846636
>>Superior Defensive Tower Shield, +1 Defensive bonus Combat Defense from 18 to 19, 150 stags

>Have the Shield Painted for 25 silver stags?
>>Yay

>What to have painted on the shield?

>>The Seven-Pointed star of the Faith, >>1845555

Night and see ya tomrrow

>>1846636
>>Superior Defensive Tower Shield, +1 Defensive bonus Combat Defense from 18 to 19, 150 stags
>>Yay
>>The Seven-Pointed star of the Faith

File: barta5.jpg (2.03 MB, 1600x4008)

2.03 MB JPG

>>1846636
>>Superior Defensive Tower Shield, +1 Defensive bonus Combat Defense from 18 to 19, 150 stags
we rarely use our shield for offense, having a 19 for our defense would make us an absolute tank

So what do you guys think Belmore is doing with all the weapons and armor? Dude spent an absolute fortune on just the personnel, and the raw materials can't be easy on his finances.

>>1846636
>luncheon with Lord Belmore and certain Pentoshi banker.

Aww shit best banker is back

>>1846685
>and the raw materials can't be easy on his finances.
well given how massively ripped off we are getting it's easier than it could be. My guess? Gearing up for a power play.

>>1846690
>He ends up using Landon as a champion just like Earp did
>He becomes are huge asshole and repeats Earp
>He flies out the window when Landon has had enough

>>1846685
He's probably doing one of two things either preparing for an actual fight against another house or is building a force with which he can strong arm the rest of the local regions lords

>>1846685
Wealth is no issue for him I'd be willing to bet his finances are more than fine.

>>1846685
He can buy materials with how much silver he is taking from us in return for table scraps.

>>1846714
If this was Old Brynden he would have re-negotiated the deal and fucked his wife and made him thank us for it.

But i am sure we can probably even out the deal just a bit as Landon.

>>1846721
not until the current deal ends, but after that? Yeah Landon isn't stupid (knowledge 3) fairly certain he's picked up on the hints Bordain and everyone else has been hinting at him with.

>>1846636
>>1846653
Support. Maybe we could make a household coat of arms for the faithful? Which I guess would look like our coat of arms with the Star of Faith on top of the griffon?

>>1845601
>Language (Common) from 2 to 3 & Dedication from 0 to 1 for 20 EXP
>Pious for 1 DP
We could use the bonus to help us in our deal with Belmore now and convince any faithful people like a Septon to work for us. I think those two would appreciate us going even further down the faithful path. Plus these seems like upgrades Landon would try going for first.

How tough is combat going to be, was the Moon Swallows battle like a practice skirmish?

>>1846805
We don't get the benefit for 9 months though.

>>1845554
>>1845555
>>1846812
Pious or Benefits requires the prerequisite skill to be fully unlocked or researched first? I interpreted it as you have to pay the EXP first. I haven't checked the rule book though.

Why the hell do we not get pumping for the Tournament and keep investing in none combat skills?

>Athletics from 4 to 5 for 30 EXP
>Shield Mastery for 1 DP

>>1846838
Language is going to be essential to running our hold. Also not being able too read REALLY fucks our chances of getting a wife unless she is marrying based on looks alone.


As for Pious? Free 1D on any test per day is fucking amazing.

>>1846846
that all means jack and shit if we dont win the Tourney anyway

>>1846849
The Tourney is MONTHS away, the language raise is cheap. The tourney coming up soon is just a simple one that will most likely be piss easy. By the time the hard one shows up we'll have loads of exp for combat.

Not learning how to read is incredibly stupid

>>1846849
Which means jack and shit if our hold collapses.

>>1846851
And we waste months learning to read instead of learning it in a couple of months by getting a septon.

>>1846857
Getting a septon or a maester would speed up the process if we've already started. It doesn't prevent us from learning anything else you realize.

And I know you guys want the septon, but several of our men including Asher have told us that getting a Maester is a damn good idea. This is the QM HINTING AT YOU, that it's a good idea.

>>1846861
And waste whatever time we spend trying before we get one. Besides its makes more sense for him to try to learn because of their being a septon their. Its more in character for Landon to get a Septon before a Maester, deal with it anon. Not ever choice we ever make is going to be the optimal one its called makes in character choices.

>>1846863
If we don't get a master we need a support corps STAT otherwise we'll lose men.

>>1846866
Then lets get a support corps started.

>>1846863
How the hell is it a waste? Shaving time off is a good thing you realize, there's no disadvantage to starting it early.

I really fucking hate people using "This is what the character would prefer!" When it's really what you'd prefer. Quit being disingenuous, Dad had those characters talk to us so LANDON WOULD THINK ABOUT IT IC AND REALIZE IT'S A GOOD IDEA.

You're using a bad in character argument to justify your own agenda, please stop.

>>1846870
With what power?

>>1846863
>Besides its makes more sense for him to try to learn because of their being a septon their.
It could be in-character either way. I'd imagine Landon would be particularly moved to either start becoming literate on his own, or devoting his efforts to getting a Septon and becoming literate. QM stated we could try persuading other faithfuls on our own time thanks to our faithfulness.

>>1846866
Haven't we already? We should totally get that support corps though as our next military unit.

>>1846872
>How the hell is it a waste? Shaving time off is a good thing you realize, there's no disadvantage to starting it early.
It could be a waste if as an action, we opted for devoting our time towards becoming literate first instead of recruiting others on our own time, which I'd imagine would involve lots of traveling around. As an EXP investment it isn’t.

>>1846872
>Dad literally said he needed an anon to give him a good reason why Landon would pick a Maester before a Septon even after all the fighting happened.
>Arguing that because some npc said we should do something means their infallible and aren't just saying their OPINION
Get better arguments.

>>1846879
The one's we're going to save up and send asap.

>>1846882
>Haven't we already?
Yeah it's getting bad actually

>We should totally get that support corps though as our next military unit.
fair bit aways from that since we spent last of our power on the garrison.

>>1846887
Their opinion is exactly what matters, it's telling when several NPCs tell you the exact same thing huh?

Really boggles the goddamn noggin, or it would if you had one.

>>1846891
If you think just because three people think one idea is good makes it the only choice then I don't know what to tell you.

>>1846894
When Every single one of our advisors are saying "Get some healz nigga" and the master is the most achievable way to do so..... It's kinda a good idea.

>>1846897
You'd think that'd be obvious huh? Guess not

>>1846894

What about our brother almost dying due to infection? What of someone else gets injure?
What about all the letters that have been pilling up without response? What about the legal and historical precedents that the maester could give us to help claim the tower? What about his insights on the Vale's inter-house politics that we are pretty much ignorant?

>>1846908
Support corps can cover all the healing easily, a Septon can cover anything based on reading and writing while also giving us a who host of faith benefits and helping to save our town.

>>1846914
And you clearly just ignored the letters and history aspect.

Agendas ladies and gentlemen

>>1845542
>>1846702
If Landon keeps defenstrating people, he should take a page out of his liege's, the Arryns, book and invest in a Moon Door-like device. Once he becomes literate that is.

>>1846888
>Yeah it's getting bad actually
The injuries or Liam wounding us?
>fair bit aways from that since we spent last of our power on the garrison.
Shit. Guess we have to go crusading.

>>1846920
Letters we weren't told about because Maffew was slacking and didn't fucking tell us. And guess which character doesn't give a shit about politics and history?

>>1846924
both, and given we have no healz, cirsading could very well kill our house's forces off entirely.


>>1846914
It's a lot harder to split focus, especially with all the other things we have we need to do anyways.

>>1846926
Except ignoring them nearly brought his house to utter ruin and got his father killed. Landon my not have a personal stake in them anymore since Earp died, but he is smart enough to realize that ignoring them entirely is a great way to end up dead.

>>1846926
Guess what won't help us in any of those ways? A septon, wasting money on frivolities is a sin when you have people that need the aid of someone trained in medicine. The politics and history is a side bonus, as is someone who can actually handle letters and ravens. Quit being stubborn

>>1846934
I never said don't get the maester I said we should get a Septon first.

>>1846936
Yes who gives a shit about sacriments for his people, or helping save his people's immortal souls. We're totally not playing a character whose biggest motivator is his RELIGION.

>>1846941
I say we break our promise and marry the qt foreign doctor girl

>>1846897
>>1846908
Why can't we get a doctor on loan from one of the more peaceful areas?
>>1846908
>>1846914
>>1846920
What's keeping us from using the Septon to help convince other people to join our cause, like a Maester?
>>1845548
Also why have all the letters been ignored, was it Landon pussying out or Maffews being a bitch? I wasn't sure from this post.

>>1846926
RIP Landon's future.

>>1846936
>>1846941
I'm curious, does the Seven's magic help with healing?

>>1846941
The words of even the most fervent fails to reach the ears of the starving, the sick, and angry.

We need heals before we get a septon.


>>1846945
decade and change too early at least.

>>1846945
Stop making me think about everything D&D ruined.

>>1846947
And how does health in this world compare to spiritual health of your immortal soul?

>>1846946
>Why can't we get a doctor on loan from one of the more peaceful areas?
Mostly resource costs

>What's keeping us from using the Septon to help convince other people to join our cause, like a Maester?
Resource costs

>I'm curious, does the Seven's magic help with healing?
Ask George R.R. Martin, no one else would know.


>>1846950
Without a healer of the body? we get neither, so no real need to compare.

>>1846946
The seven has no magic, and Septons aren't trained for anything a Maester does, the two roles aren't in any way the same.

>>1846950
Because having empathy on earth for people physically suffering is a cardinal virtue, making yourself feel good and patting yourself on the back for how holy you are helps no one.

Quit using fanatical arguments

>>1846955
>Quit using fanatical arguments
How about you step out from your own agenda and try and look at things from the mcs point of view.

>>1846955
>The seven has no magic,
They do, it's just very subtle. It's been dubiously shown in canon and stated in this quest as why we get those Destiny Points. Mostly as luck, stat bonuses, and stuff.


>>1846945
>>1846950
>Stop making me think about everything D&D ruined.
Is this a reference to the quest or something else?

>>1846959
>Is this a reference to the quest or something else?

In the TV show Robb Stark fell in love with a foreign doctor woman which he married thereby breaking his promise to the Freys.

In the book it was because he slept with Jeyne Westerling and married her out of honor.

>>1846956
He IS, He's right now seeing the MC as a man of the faith, but also one who is smart enough to realize the needs of his hold > his own personal preferences. We Need a healer, and SOON. A green (at best) support corps is probably a long as way away given no power and the food costs when the area is STARVING.

Does he want a septon? Yes , badly. But he cannot get one without condemning his people to bodily and thus spiritual suffering. Being Excessive was Earp's schtick, not Landon's, and Landon very much wants to be a good lord.

>>1846964
Landon is a dumbass Dad has even said as much and has REPEATEDLY said hiring the septon before the Maester is much more in character. How about we wait and ask him when he gets here tomorrow.

>>1846968
>Implying he will ever answer our questions not to mention his ask.fm

>>1846968
He's given us hints, he's given us the opinion of the NPCs, as the QM that's all he can do without taking the decision making process away from us.

We the players have to make an informed decision, to the best of our Faculties.

>>1846968
>How about we wait and ask him when he gets here tomorrow.
>How about we wait
Where do you think we are?

>>1846980
We should totally ask Lord Belmore and see what his thoughts are.

>>1846980
Just because a npc says something doesn't mean the qm is trying to tell us something. Npcs are characters with their own beliefs and ideas and guess what they aren't always right.

>>1846964
Thank you anon.

>>1846986
You're literally just sticking your fingers in your ears and not listening to anything anyone is saying.

>>1846985
I'm not sure he'll be in the right mindset, we're here for an entirely different reason and he's also the man who's been selling us scraps for silver....

iunno man

>>1846968
>Landon is a dumbass
No he is not, focused on things a normal would not be? Yes. Stupid? No. The man hasa knowledge of the faith that is nearly encyclopedic. A dullard would not be able to manage such. He is a common born man of the faith, so there is a very real disconnect in his dealings with nobles. (knowledge 3 nigga, Landon might see things in black and white, right and wrong, but he is not stupid.)

>Dad has even said as much and has REPEATEDLY said hiring the septon before the Maester is much more in character.
from Father
There does need to be an understanding that Landon values both but in different ways. His Faith is his primary directive in most things, yes. But as a Landed Knight he also understands that the services of a Maester is more than just the knowledge they bring, but that it is a matter of prestige. Not many Knights of the Realm have the services of the Maester at their disposal, even the landed ones

>>1846947
>>1846959
>>1846962
Ah, right. That makes sense now. I was thinking it was referring to one of the marriage candidates earlier in the quest and D&D the game until you corrected me.

>>1846989
Oh yeah, I forgot about how cancerous or salty he might be. Maybe we should ask his Maester or Septon instead, clearly they won't be biased.

>>1846968
>>1846990
Landon is more autistically faithful than anything else, really. Even then, I'm sure he'd go for a Maester if both he knew a Septon couldn't just divinely heal their injuries away or something, and he wouldn't be able to get a support corps in time before he loses too many men or ones he cares about.

>>1846636

>Defensive shield
>Yay
>House Grallner´s arms

>>1846996
And since he knows the faith can't heal with magic, and his army is kinda fucked up with the badics and clansmen running about .....

>>1846945
/tv/fag get out

>muh maester

Jesus Christ haven't we gone through this before?>>1846946

>>1847048
What?

>>1847048
>muh septon
It's easy to make all conversations and viewpoints seem stupid huh. only takes meme arrows

>>1847052
And yet here we are, we've argued this point before anon, first on the point of a monetary point and now on the issue of healing.

It's pointless

>>1847066
Whatcha talking about? Because a septon cannot do either of those things, unless you're talking about something else.

So, there are a couple of options for healing our troops that we can look into.

>Maester
It makes Landon appear more impressive to have a maester on hand. This plays into his ambitious trait, and despite what some anons may think is probably just fine. Landon doesn't hate maester or anything. The absolute best option would be to borrow Lord Belmores maester to train Maffew and teach Landon.

>Septon + healing site
This is Landon Grallners wet dream set up. But we can't afford it yet and may not be in a position to set it up for a long time. Same with an abbey Devoted to healing.

>support corp
This seems like the poor mans healers option. Might be possible to improve it with an herb garden devoted to healing, but since it's the middle of winter that's unlikely. We will likely wind up with this.


Most if not all of these require the use of a personage holding. I am still absolutely committed to Bailiffs, and we will get a Septon sooner or later. That means that things like artisans and masters of arms become distant goals to strive towards.

>>1846956
From the MCs point of view his brother was critically injured and he had to go to his leigelord to get his brother healed.

A. It's embarrassing that you can't take care of your family.

B. It's shameful

C. We aren't a religious robot. We aren't refusing the excesses of our leigelord we ask for forgiveness instead because we don't have much of a choice. Not having a septic when you can't take care of your family and people isn't a sin. We might ask the seven to forgive us for the delay, but we would be practically upholding their virtues as well

>>1846622
>>1846446
>>1846215
>>1846215
>>1846206

wow, this is a lot to take in.
first impressions are that lord Belmore is a bit of a cunt. he has CLEARLY been using our silver and other resources to fund military gear. I see now why Bordain would not deal with us.

The Squires Melee does not strike me as a rumor. not at all. it feels like a PR stunt that our lord forgot to mention in his anger.

he also seems quite concerned that we should be married. he was going to have us wed off to his cousin. not a terrible match, but anons more versed in the lore would know better than I.

The lady Bellissa is also most assuredly moving in with her family in an attempt to get us wed.

Which is a huge conflict for me because she is exactly my type, but I feel the House would be better served through a marriage to the Waynewood girl.

all in all it is exactly as Cador said. with more of his dad being the weasely dick he actually is.

so what do we do? first we stop apologizing. all it will do is piss him off more. he wants action. stress our crushing victories over the moon swallows. Especially the victory over Creyok.

We are a man betrayed, but by the will of the seven that betrayal has been rooted out. The rot exposed and cut away. Our own father nearly murdered in his bed by a treacherous harlot. Ser Ashers actions have earned him a knighthood (proving we know to reward good men and are not fuckwits). Ser bryen is joining our household. we will approach the coming days in strength and rebuild.

he is angry that his son risked his life, speak of the battle with pride. story of his sons precise command and excellent judgement may soften his grief and bolster his fatherly pride.

he wishes us to marry and so on. inform him of the tourney to show him that we too share his concerns and think of more than prayer. mention also our brothers and seek his guidance for suitable matches for them. the man clearly fancies hinself a matchmaker and master manipulator. plus its high time those feckless assholes were wed. preferably to useful houses whose wives will reign them in and make them useful.

lastly is the loan. we have the option of getting itnthroughbthe church niw, but let us at least hear what the pike loving bell lord has to say. pikes in a city... the warrior weeps to see such. only knows why they dont have little silver bells on them.

speaking of we should have gotten the man a deep purple cape with seven silver bells each stamped with the symbol of one of the seven.

I think we all agree that getting a septon is some that Landon wants and should remain among our priorities. No one is disputing that.

The issue is if Landon should acquire a maester before a septon. This is should not be seen as a betrayal or a compromise of his faith, a maester isn't the antithesis of a septon. We have issues that a maester can help us fix that a septon can not Landon should be able to recognize that. If the spiritual needs of our people are an immediate issue, can lead them in weekly prayer ourselves (we might even earn more faith points that way).

>>1847296
we can also use the mention of the tourney as an excuse to let lord Belmore know we are holding court again.

and, a visit to the septon might not be a bad idea. aside from the church offering us a loan, we might persuade the local septon to give sermons on charity amd generosity. words that might sit upon our lords mind and twist his guilt at cheating us for so many years into a rope with which we may climb out of disaster.

also should his proposed loan be unsuited we might push for use of his (briefly mentioned) heavy infantry. on the excuse that if they are newly raised they require blooding

>>1847296
>lord Belmore is a bit of a cunt
To be fair we were failing pretty bad at keeping our lands safe and the silver from us is his to do as he likes.

>lady Bellissa
I am also highly tempted to marry her as well, she is a good match and is likely to secure all the support we need from Belmore. The Waynwood girl could make a more prestigious marriage but unlike to cover our immediate needs and it's likely to prove difficult considering the poor conditions of our house.

>>1847319
If I am remembering correctly, and that's a big if. Lady Belissa Belmore is our lords cousin (or perhaps niece?)

Marrying her is an okay marriage. But not a great marriage. For example it is fantastically unlikely that any child of the union will ever have a strong claim to anything of the Belmores. And Lord Belmore himself is a cheap greedy fuck who spends money lavishly on bells and bullshit. He also eventually hops in bed with little finger

It might however be the best we can do. And the lady is both attractive and clearly likes Landon.

But if we are counting on the marriage for massive amounts of support we may be disappointed.

As for our lords demeanor. I do not hold umbrage at his wrath, which is justly deserved, but rather his nature. He is greedy, vain, and impractical. He is fat while men and women starve from Winter.

He can be bought. His son is in all respects a better man, for all that he lusts of cock. A better warrior. And perhaps a kinder ruler.

>>1847319
Also, the only reason we have a shot for Wayne wood is the ladies romantic notions of knighthood. She wants a strong knight of noble bearing and is willing to accept a lesser house to get what she wants

>>1847326
>all that he lusts of cock.

What? Did I miss something?

>Implying Landon isnt a massive cock lover in the closet.

>>1847334
pretty sure Cador Belmore is gay. could be wrong.

>>1847336
if the lurid accounts of a certain camp follower are to be believed Landon is anything but gay.

>>1847359
could be a qt camp follower(male)

>>1847419
>qt3.14 camp follower (male)

Landon was so messed up on PTSD he didn't even notice. thats why we dont talk about it.

>>1847359
>pretty sure Cador Belmore is gay. could be wrong.
wut.
Cador is straight. I thought I off handedly mentioned him wanting to sleep with Jeyne Stone. But yeah, no idea where that came from.

Anyway, just got home, going to eat and get some laundry going then I'll sit down and start to write.

Really interesting argument going on up there. I can't really weigh in on it though. Because both sides have valid points.

>>1847447
>Really interesting argument going on up there. I can't really weigh in on it though. Because both sides have valid points.


That Landon is a raging homosexual ?

>>1847447
My complete lack of reading comprehension combined with lack of sleep.

Also, is there ANYONE she didn't fuck?!

Lord Belmore: By the by Landon how is that Jeyne girl, wonderful lass. So full of life and joy!
Landon: uhh
Lord Belmore: Did she come with you perchance?

>>1847450
>Landon's Fw anyone who came to his keep previously asks about Jeyne before anything else.

>>1847455

That the real reason she betrayed us, she was so offended we didn't want to have sex with her.

>>1847428

Maybe the camp follower was a twink/trap and Landon didn't notice?

Winning Votes:
>Defensive Shield, Defensive +1, Combat Defense 18>19
>Yay, Seven-Pointed Star
>Spent 175 silver stags, total coin 6 gold dragons, 35 silver stags

“I’ll have the more defensive of the lot,” you say still looking over the wall of shields before eyes fall to rest upon the Seven-Pointed Star of the Faith crisply painted over a heater shield, “Have the lad paint this,” you say pointing towards it and gaining a nod in response.

“Aye m’lord, it will be done. I’ll ‘ave the lad get to work on it, should be done in bout two days, have ‘em deliver it to your quarters,” Garrette says snapping his fingers for the boys to get back to work and take your order with them. You continue to look about a bit, curious of the master armourer’s work, if you assumed right he was the man that had built the base of the Belmore armours, if the full suits on mannequins about the shop was any indication.

“Out of curiousity, Master Garrette,” you start, examining a suit of Maximilian armour, running your fingers through the fluting and observing it wasn’t painted onyx black but rather had been tempered to the color by a skilled hand, “What is the price for a quality suit of full plate such as this?”

The smith scratches at his chin before he answers, “That plate there is close ta fifty gold dragons m’lord. Give or take a few stags or moons. Custom fittin’, lifetime replacement guarantee, finest steel of the Vale handcrafted by meself. The colorin’ is a special technique, can get nearly any color in there ye desire m’lord. Anyting more specialized like repoussé, chasing, or embossing there is a man down in the port that does those things for me, charges twenty to fifty dependin’ pon your desires m’lord. Is you interested m’lord? Far as I knows it I’m the only smith in the Vale knows how to make that plate.”

“Mayhaps I am,” you say nodding and taking mental note of the costs, which far exceeded your personal coffers, “How long would such a suit take?”

“‘Bout two or three months m’lord. Might be four if you want something elaborate,” Garrette says with a sniffle, shooting a quick look towards one of the apprentices before turning back to you, “Lord Belmore doesn’t take kindly to me making me own dealins here, fair warning m’lord. Betcha don’t ‘ave much to worry ‘bout though, bein’ his Knight and all, mhm.”

You slightly frown but nod all the same, “I will take that all into consideration Master Garrette. Thank you for your time.”

“Been me pleasure m’lord.”

---

Upon having left the craftsmen’s corner you take a gander at the sky, an hour or so before noon you figured, though were not entirely sure what Lord Belmore considered time for luncheon, judging by his girth and past dealings with the man perhaps it would be sooner rather than later. You remember a particular incident involving yourself and Cador where the two of you had just finished perhaps the largest banquet Lord Belmore had ever thrown somewhere in the Riverlands only for the Lord to immediately call for another meal immediately after, the two of you had been sick for the rest of the week. Not enough time to visit the port and the Sept, but enough to take a second stroll through the yard.

Parwyn shuffles his feet next to you, whistling his light tune as you idly stand, watching the yard that was now far more busy than it had been before. Taking a leisurely stroll you begin to count off and assume the types of each company of men. At least three infantry, two (useful) pikemen, two heavy infantry, judging by the flourish of color and heraldry at least five score knights and heavy cavalry. You pause your walk to wave to Ser Bradic Belmore, the middle son of the Belmore cousins, the way he was leading the men lead you to believe he was the Captain of the horsemen. The walls were lined with longbowmen, at least enough to fill three companies of men and crossbowmen filled out the more dangerous nooks and crannies, perhaps only a single company of them though. The household guard, if they could be called that with their useless pikes, only numbered enough for a single company. There would at least need to be a garrison of men in the port, perhaps another in Belham. Not to mention it was likely a comparable level of men to your own in Ser Branson Belmore’s Grimarbour. And this was all beside the small armada held in port beneath Strong Song. At a guess you come up with somewhere between a ten and fifteen hundred standing men, struggling with the sum and using your fingers discreetly, this easily passed two thousand when including yourself, Ser Branson, and the the smattering of petty landed Knights on the mainland that House Belmore held dominion over.

Your face screws up slightly, why did Lord Belmore need such a large standing army? You knew that Lord Bordain had caught flak from the local Lords and Ladies for his overly large standing military, their being made into a mercenary company and ported off to Essos did little to ease their fears, now knowing that the Grey Lord commanded an army of bloodied men, even if they were out of arm’s reach. Then there were the Tollett’s standing army that may as well be sworn to House Bordain directly by now. Lord Badics company, the Devils of the Rhoyne, were of an equal strength to the latter and Lord Palfrey Badics did little to hide the contracting of his men to the various Lords of the Vale. There had been an incident some odd years back involving Lord Belmore and Badics as you recall regarding these men, but you were never privy to how that turned out, nor what it was about specifically. All you knew, is that there were a handful of players about this area of the Vale, and each had been growing significantly far beyond what you had been aware of. Parwyn begins to get antsy by your side and you dismiss the lad to train with the other squires about the yard. You now wished you had a longer moment to pray for clarity but alas you were expected elsewhere, a quick prayer upon wordless lips and you press forward back into the fairytale castle.

The grand hall smelled of pumpkin, the smell wafted towards you as you enter, the bells chiming after your name is announced once more. Certainly that had to become annoying. Lord Benedar is at his high seat, spoon in hand dipping out of a hollowed out pumpkin that was comparable in size to Benny. Oh how you missed him now, loyally following after your footstep and guarding your rear, you felt naked without him here. Lord Benedar peaks from behind the pumpkin and bids you forward. Seated with him are four other men, one you recognized and three you did not. The former was Preston Moore, House Belmore’s treasurer and Master of Commerce, he had been the one to come to Whitestone Keep and present Lord Belmore’s terms for contract. Maffew had said little at the time and encouraged you to sign, but it never quite felt right. Silver was worth more, or so you had been made to understand by your father’s business affairs as Steward. The man smiles at you and nods his head, lightly drinking the pumpkin soup.

The other three men are an interesting sight however. As you take a knee before the high chair and bow your head your nose is assaulted again with the smell of piss, though this time far more rancid but seemingly and poorly covered up by the smell of perfume. You look up and find a man of equal girth, perhaps moreso, to that of Lord Benedar. His beard is forked and oiled, his hair slicked back and black with grease, his fingers are covered in numerous rings which clink and jangle as he handles the silverware and goblet, and his wear reminds you of the single time you encountered Lord Egen in Grimarbour, unnecessary flair and dramatics. You assume he is a man of Essos, queer as his clothing, manner, and stylings are. He eyes you a moment far longer than you feel comfortable with and your gaze scatters falling upon the other two men seated with him. One wears you only assume to be the clothing of a sellsword, his hair is dyed gold, an unnatural color rather than the soft blonde of your own, he wears a patch on his breast of seven golden hands and three escallops something you recognize for a change and it surprises you, seeing a Reachman this far north during the dead of winter. The last wears finery, his doublet grey and black, he is of a swarthy complexion, likely an Essosi as well, but his clothing suggests he is of House Tollett.

“Ser Grallner, so good of you to join us,” Lord Belmore says and you remain kneeled before he flicks his wrists for you to stand.

“Lord Belmore before we proceed I would like to offer this gift,” you say presenting the simple black velvet box to your liegelord, “A medallion of silver from my own lands, one side the bells of House Belmore, the other the Seven-Pointed Star of the Faith.”

He opens it and licks his lips, before giving you a look, “Thank you Ser Grallner,” he says curtly, “Please sit. We have much to discuss.”

Feeling slightly put out by his response you do as he bids and take your seat upon the side of the table that includes the sellsword and the swarthy man.

“Introductions,” Lord Belmore says between bites, “Ser Landon Grallner. It is my honor to introduce Lord Nararo Aros. A representative of the Bank of Bays in Pentos, a growing holding that does much business about Westeros now, perhaps to rival the Iron Bank someday should Lord Nararo’s efforts continue with such success.”

The fat man beside your liege smiles, a disgusting thing, and claps his hands together at the praise.

“Sat beside you is a Captain of the Black Hand Company, Ultred Galton. And a man in his service Ser Armen Tollett. They are both contracted to the Bank of Bays, to assure their interests are secure.”

Neither regards you with much more than a look, a rude introduction to say the least.

“And this is Ser Landon Grallner of Whitestone Keep,” Belmore finishes, tucking into another spurt of the soup leaving the rest of you in silence.

“The man that lost my bride then?” Armen Tollett grumbles, “Tell me Ser Grallner, are you blind or simply an idiot?”

“Armen,” Ultred Galton says sternly, “Not the time nor the place.”

“Oh no I think quite the contrary,” the man retorts, “This was the exact time and place. Gods he probably lost her himself, threw her off a cliff, so I wouldn’t have a claim to the lands he seems to want to gobble up for himself now.”

“Gentlemen,” the Pentoshi says waving his hands uselessly, “Please. I am certain that Ser Grallner here has an explanation for everything,” he says with a sickening draw, even his words sounded of fat and excess. You did not think less of your liegelord for his weight but this man, he disgusted you, “Oh please Ser, do regale us.”

You cast a look to Lord Belmore who waves his hand, “Go on then. Tell us everything.”

Going into the rather long month long affair of betrayal, war, and traitors you tell your liegelord and these strange foreign men of your House’s troubles. How it began, the missing or forged reports, the ambushes of the silver men and the Irregulars. The death of good loyal men such as Marston, and the framing of commonborn men without a chance for his words to fall upon listening ear such as Wat the Scout. Of the sabotage held behind your back and beneath your nose, men’s loyalties bought with the flesh and the young Earp heiress. You tell them of the battles you fought, the Skirmish of the Silver Men, the Battle of the Border Lands, and finally the Betrayl of Whitestone Keep. This is where you give the most detail, of the traitors finally revealing themselves in full, of Jeyne Stone’s attempt upon your father’s life, of the betrayers being put to the sword and your Household’s loyalties shored up and assured in earnest.

“Before she was put down by my man, Ser Asher Harp, who at this very moment is scouting and planning our attack upon the Dawntower, Jeyne Stone revealed to me her backers. Supposedly her father Lord Back had spirited the girl away, to marry to his son and heir.”

“The Backs of Crow’s Barrens?” Lord Belmore asks and you confirm. He leans back with a burp and crosses his fingers, “Seven be good it appears we are not the only ones to think of the girl’s uses. Though I very much doubt the Backs know of the issues surrounding the girl.”

Nararo Aros snickers and you attempt to not look at the man.

“How long do we have Aros?” Armen Tollett asks.

“The girl is not into her majority for another four years and some months good Ser,” he says, "Westorsi law should be quick to annul such frivolous things. Especially should they be shown the tab."

“Good, our deal is still on Belmore.”

You give the table a confused look and Preston Moore takes notice leaning forward and beckoning you to meet him, he whispers, “Lady Wylla Earp inherited her father’s estate and holdings across the Narrow Sea. At the moment they are tied up with the Bank of Bays for the lack of payments, held as collateral. Lord Earp left a hefty sum owed to the Bank, close to nine thousand dragons I am told, Lady Earp inherited that as well.”

“I don’t understand why we just don’t invade them and take the girl back,” Ultred Galton says throwing his hands up, “The Black Hand Company is ready to serve.”

“Because my men were not a part of this deal Captain Galton,” Lord Belmore retorts, “Ser Armen here was to supply his own men.”

“Well I didn’t plan on your Knight losing my bride.”

Preston clears his throat and continues, “Lord Belmore made a deal with Ser Armen here. In exchange for the rest of the Earp holdings and estate across the Narrow Sea and any future claims made by her name he would pay the debt owed to the Bank of Bays, have the two marry, and land him in some of the lands left over from the former Earp estate north of Moonsgray.”

“And then allow him to press a claim to Grey Glen when Lord Uthor finally dies,” Lord Belmore finishes with a snarl, causing Preston Moore to sit back in his seat, “With my backing of course in exchange for his swearing to me. Cutting all ties with House Royce in the process and keeping the Grey Lord’s fingers off more land he does not deserve.”

You sit in silence and swallow hard. Ser Armen leans back scoffs to your lack of response, muttering beneath his breath.

“As you can see Ser Grallner, there is far more going on in our corner of the Vale than some clansmen harassing you,” Lord Benedar says, “I want them exterminated by the end of next month. Send this Cheiftan Croak’s head so it may sit upon the pikes as his son’s does. In addition, I want your standing army doubled within half a year. In addition the Dawntower that you so haphazardly laid a claim upon rebuilt and garrisoned by the end of the year. The girl will be dealt with, you will accompany me on a visit to Crow’s Barrens and we will settle this like civilised men do,” he gives the table a look as he says this last part culling any word otherwise before turning back to you, “Do I make myself very clear Ser Grallner?”

“Of course my Lord,” you say with a bow of your head.

“Good,” he states firmly and looks about at the silence of the table, “Go on then, eat, drink, be merry Lords and Sers. This is but a hiccup and will be rectified.”

The table is full of nods and a toast which you do not participate in instead sitting back and attempting to take in what information you understood.

Questions?
>Landon may ask 3 questions of the assembled table for clarification or otherwise. These will be agreed upon by the group before we ask them, coming down to a vote if necessary.

>>1847590
How the fuck does Belmore have any right to meddle in OUR House's affairs? Isn't he overstepping his bounds as Lord by doing this? Would this be in the letters Maffew didn't read for Landon?

>>1847590
> Lord Nararo Aros. A representative of the Bank of Bays in Pentos,

Fucking yes.

What will happen now `?

>>1847590
I have attempted to trade with Lord Bordain for arms and armors, given my old cannot produce them, and I since I could not afford his standing prices, I attempted to come to a bargain. He rebuked me quite clearly and made it clear he wanted nothing to do with me, using "Why should I pay the sheep when I already pay the shepherd?" to that front would you perhaps strike a deal for arms and armor in my place my lord? Otherwise any forces I raise will be men using clubs without armor, and the clansmen would be better trained and equipped.

I lack the funds and resources to do all your commands my lord, even with the silver mine producing I do not have enough money, nor men, for it. How would my lord acquire such?

>>1847590
I think now may be the time to broach the topic of a small loan, well maybe in a little bit after the feast starts.

He liked the gift it seems, also what a prick.

Dad how much is Aros enjoying looking at Landon?

>>1847584
a shield for less than a dragon.

bordain was outright fucking us.

>>1847590
My lord, if I am to double my army I will need arms and armor. far more than I have at present. I have already sought to deal myself with Lord Bordain, but his price for Iron is robbery more than trade.

speak to him about the loan here, perhaps the pentoshi will offer better terms.

what does his lordship intend to do if Back refuses to release the girl?

>>1847601
please dont inform our lord that the clansmen are using our own fucking weapons. just refer to having trouble procuring arms and armor.

he doesnt give two fucks if bordain hates us. lets just try to set something up with him directly.

>>1847597
He is Landon's liege lord. He has the right to call House Grallner to arms and has expectations of his bannerman to provide either goods or arms to a satisfactory degree.

These commands might seem a bit more than what can be reasonably expected of a landed knight but there isn't a single person in the Vale that would tell Lord Belmore he can't make such demands. It would all hold up in a court.

Benedar is also taking advantage of Landon's Honor-Bound trait, where he is bound by his own honor to do as his liegelord says even if he himself thinks it is out of the realm of reasonability.

>>1847609
>Dad how much is Aros enjoying looking at Landon?
He isn't his preferred flavor of chocolate. But sometimes you need to indulge.

>>1847619
>a shield for less than a dragon.
Ehh not really. A common tower shield costs 60ss, a common longsword costs 500ss.

When their quality is upgraded to superior I triple the price. So a Superior Tower Shield costs 180ss and a Superior Longsword costs 1500ss, which is 7 gd 90ss.

Bordain really wasn't lying, he was selling his arms for what amounted to charity, but that is what happens when you buy in bulk.

>>1847627
No I meant arranging for Wylla to be married off without really consulting Landon.

>>1847619
>what does his lordship intend to do if Back refuses to release the girl?


Why do you think he wants us to double our army, claim another defensive tower and repair it, and wants anyone the Badics could use as terrorists in our land exterminated all within a year?

>>1847625
>please dont inform our lord that the clansmen are using our own fucking weapons.
Pretty sure we already told him, and that was not the reference, the reference is we'd have really shitty gear for any of our men without some help. Him not helping with Bordain means he's essentially Earping us and we can act accordingly.

>>1847628
Ohhh well. That is what the trip was about, he was going to tell Landon about the girl's debts. And present the situation in such a way that it looked like he was really helping Landon out, which yes and no is true. He would have convinced Landon it was in his best interest to give the girl over to him and then do with her as he pleased.

But since shit hit the fan he is forced to just come out with it all. Yes he is overstepping his bounds a little with this, but he is Landon's liegelord and will just threaten to put the debt on Landon and his House if he refuses to comply.

>>1847629
>and wants anyone the Badics could use as terrorists in our land exterminated all within a year?
Where is this Badics thing coming from? I'm not really sure why they're suddenly being blamed for anything the Moon Swallows did when it was made very clear that House Back through Jeyne Stone had a hand in that more so than anything. Probably because the names are too similar.

Anyway, looks like asking Benedar about help with Lord Bordain is the main question.
Not really sure what else to ask though.

>>1847632
Never really hated anyone as much as Belmore right now dad. Good job. Not even Royce. Royce at least has the excuse of being an idiot for some of the shit he does, but Belmore is just a huge back of dicks.

>>1847635
And the GoT quest tradition continues of hating Lord Benedar Belmore. What an absolute prick.

>>1847632
Asking about the loan? I'm sure the bank of bays will be kind enough to help us out, as grossed out as Landon is.

>>1847632
>other questions

what holdings did Earp have across the narrow sea to make this much trouble over?

we knew him fairly well and this is I presume news to us.

>a question for Warrior

what happens if the girl dies?

>other questions

I had hoped to speak with my lord about the possibility of taking a loan that I might expand the mines. but it is especially needful if I am to rebuild the tower. who knows what wretched state the godless heathens have left it in.

>>1847636
i seriously want to marry waynwood, not out of love, but to give the banker his dragons and steal the entire deal away from Belmore

>>1847642
>Landon's wife contrives a way to get Landon fighting an honor duel to get Beledar into the Night's Watch A melee duel.

>>1847643
I would laugh my ass off.

>>1847636

Oddly enough Bordain was the one with the best relationship with him.

>>1847643
we arent that lucky.

>lord benedar has to deal with our excessively shrewd wife on all matters of coin. she fucks him like an essosi whore every time. he cant break ties ever.

>>1847642
It's a shame that Belissa is cute, seems like a nice girl too.

>>1847648
speaking of

we might get lady belissa to pour honey in his ear about the loan

>>1847649
Bet she is a freak in bed though.

>>1847649
youve never had to discuss business with family have you?

she is still an option

>>1847654
Huh, I assumed you had written her off. And my family doesn't own a business so no, I got the lecture from my dad on how to invest and that's about it. Hah

>>1847649

She seems like a sweet girl, I want to marry her just for that.

Alright so we'll broach the topic of Benedar helping Landon deal with Lord Bordain.

The topic of a loan, which will work out and condense two scenes I had planned with both of these men. I'll frame it like some of the above statements have.

I think I'll do two more questions because I liked them both and you guys are saving me a lot of legwork otherwise so we'll go with: >>1847619
>what does his lordship intend to do if Back refuses to release the girl?
&
>>1847639
>what holdings did Earp have across the narrow sea to make this much trouble over?
Plus I'll answer:
>what happens if the girl dies?
In character because it relates to the questions here, so a line of questions regarding Lady Wylla Earp. That works.

I will now be writing.

>>1847646
Even after having to pay 5000 gold dragons for a crime Ser Illmond Grafton committed? Surely you don't think that Benedar would be so quick to forget being made a fool of and paying money because one of his schemes fell through due to Bordain's sudden meddling?

Sure he may trade with him now, Belmore isn't stupid. But I wouldn't take that relationship at face value.

>>1847664
She'll get more scenes I'm sure, I think the Waynewood girl would be more ice queen to Belissa's girl next door.

This is all rampant speculation, we need to see more of the characters.

>>1847663
i prefer waynwood, bit a belissa is fine too

she is exactly my type

>>1847679
we don't really know what her body type is, but assuming she's like her brothers we can assume tall and thin. That and red hair and cute freckles

>>1847683
>red hair and cute freckles

She also got blue eyes

Hhhhngggggg

>>1847667
>you don't think that Benedar forget being made a fool

I need to re-read iron and hate, remember being initially dislike by Benadar but the trade deal was far too good for with to pass or hold much resentment.

>>1847683
>tfw Dunk never fucked Lady Webber
damn you GRRM

>>1847687
I think this is a different canon and Benedar is more of a schemer with a grudge than in Iron and Hate

>>1847706
more like he hates being shown up by his "lessers"

hey father, how much would just the raw steel cost?

if we can make use of lord benedars forges we could reduce the cost considerably

>>1847685
We'd all go for the cutie, but we need Dat dowry. I'd take a fat Frey if the dowry was fat.

The pumpkin soup is quickly finished off, least of by your efforts and is cleared away by the servants only to be replaced with a salad of winter lettuce, beats, carrots, and other rugged vegetables still grown during the cold winter months and a dressing you are entirely unsure of, perhaps raspberry. The whole thing tastes of dirt and root in your opinion and you note Nararo Aros wholly ignoring it after a single bite to remain polite.

Lord Belmore seems to have calmed down a moment, his eyes turning to you with that same look that Cador would give you when he knew there was a thought on your mind but you had not the words to ask, “Yes Ser Grallner?”

“Thinking my Lord,” you respond unsure, “This is overly much.”

“And all the more reason for you not to be made privy to the information,” Benedar says slacking back in his chair, “Matters of coin, debt, and equity are not your realm Ser Grallner. War and matters of the sword are, which is why I maintain such high expectations for your standing military might.”

“Of course my Lord, I… Merely have some questions, curiosities and things that cause me to think of others that I may request of my Lord.”

“Go on then Ser Grallner.”

“I suppose the simplest, what estates and holdings in Essos make this worth the trouble? Would it not be preferred to shunt the debts off on another?”

“Not when the estate is a manse held in Lys,” Nararo Aros says through his drink, “Oh it is a beautiful thing Ser Landon.”

“Otherwise,” Benedar cuts in, “There are a handful of business ventures that Lord Earp’s father and my father participated in before their deaths. Lord Emmerst thought to take these ventures and their holdings for himself becoming richer for it. During the Rebellion he used them in such a way to betray the Vale and bring greater harm to those loyal to her. I merely wish to bring these ventures back to their rightful holder and employ them for the good of the Vale. Though in short Ser Grallner, they bring coin, far more than what I would pay to have them released to me.”

You nod, not having gotten the full answer you wanted but all the same understanding that money was involved. If your liege wished to use them for the betterment of the Vale, which you were all the more happy to help in, then you supposed it could not be solely wrong a thing, and perhaps was indeed worth the trouble.

“And what if House Back refuses to give her up? Or denies it? What if she is dead, what then?”

Ser Armen Tollett chokes on his drink and flashes you a look but Ultred Galton gets between the two of you.

Nararo Aros answers first, “Should the girl, regrettably and sadly die, then the Bank of Bays will be forced to sell their equity and assets to recover our losses. And then it would seem our business would be at an end here.”

“And no one wins,” Benedar finishes.

“I believe your claims that House Back has the girl. They were loyal to the dragon, and among the few that survived the purge after the Rebellion. I do not doubt they’d be as foolish before. Should they wish to push this fool’s luck then I will have little issue in employing the fullness of my influence and might. We will get this girl back, come the Seven Hells or high water.”

Something stuck in your mind at that response, it felt familiar though you could not place it fully. You sit in quiet a moment and shake your head passively when inquired if you had further thoughts involving the Earp.

“My Lord, if I may?” you ask as the third course of luncheon is served. Poached lake sturgeon with capers, garlic cloves, and olives. You pick at the latter, having never really developed a taste for it and cut a slice of the dense fatty fish. From your breast pocket you remove the letter sent to you by Lord William Bordain, you pass it across the table and Preston Moore picks it up, reading it quietly and scrounging his face up before passing it to Lord Benedar Belmore and pointing out particular lines with his knife.

“Seven Hells Ser Grallner,” Benedar says after finishing reading it, “Do not engage with the Grey Lord on your own, he is a murderous monster with little care else in this world but for gold.”

“I see the folly of that action now,” you respond, remembering particularly the line of being a dog for a brute, “I had hoped to come to you asking for you aid in dealing with Lord Bordain. I am in need of proper armanants for my men, forgive me but Lord Bordain’s arms the finest of this region of the Vale. If he will not deal with me as he so bluntly put, then I would ask for you to deal with him my steed.”

Benedar taps his fingers on the table, his lips smacking as he chews, rereading the letter a second time before folding it up and placing it on the table again.

“I would rather you not deal with him at all Ser Grallner,” Belmore says plainly, dabbing the corners of his mouth with his napkin, “But alas even I find myself arming my men with his steel. I will do this Ser Grallner, but I will require silver.”

You frown internally, wishing Maffew was with you at the moment, not particularly wishing to get into the details of your House’s Finances without him.

“Your smelter is now in production, correct?”

“Yes my Lord.”

“Good… Good…” he says licking his lips and taking a deep drink, “I will require three units of processed silver. For bargaining of course, anything I do not use in the dealings with Lord Bordain will be returned to you Ser Grallner. If I have this I can promise you that you will receive your discount and arms at a fairer price. A deal?”

Deals always felt like there was a dagger waiting to find purchase with your back.

Give Lord Benedar Belmore 3 units of Processed Silver (Out of 5), to bargain with Lord William Bordain in your steed?
>Yay
>Nay
>Something else?

>>1847719
you sicken me. damned freyfucker.

but knowing father there will be both significant hurdles and no few problems with waynwood.

that having been said, if im reading the family chart right she had like 6 kids. unless thats the wrong arrys waynwood

>>1847731
>>Something else?
Let me, ruminate on your offer my lord, I'll have to check with my scribe to see if all of the processed silver is ready and in production.

This is basically just to stall him so we can talk to Maffew about it first. Because otherwise we're being ripped off

>>1847731
>Something else?

Make it 2

>>1847731
>>Nay
Fuck that we could get those arms for the amount of silver we'd give him

>>1847731
>>1847737
this

>>1847731
>>Something else?
>>1847718
How much worse would Lord Benedar's arms be if he manufactured it instead?

>>1847737
Support.

>>1847739
Probably. Decent chance he might pocket some too.

>>1847737
Second

>>1847737
>>1847738
>>1847731
Changing to to stalling and asking Maffew

>>1847737

Support.

>>1847731
>Stall so we can consult Maffew we brought him for a reason

>>1847737
Good idea

>>1847748
As you said numbers and economics are not my wheelhouse my lord. If need to consult my advisor on such things, to make sure I can live up to the commitment. After all my people are still starving.

>>1847718
>hey father, how much would just the raw steel cost?
Raw iron is the more appropriate term but either way. A fraction, but then Lord Belmore would charge you to use his forges and smiths, which he doesn't actually have that many of seeing as he buys his steel from Bordain as well.

>>1847742
>How much worse would Lord Benedar's arms be if he manufactured it instead?
Quality isn't so much the issue, though they wouldn't be as good as Bordain made blades, but the time it would take to make it. Bordain iron is infamous for being ridiculously difficult to work with for lesser smiths. In real world terms it just has a naturally higher carbon amount and most smiths aren't use to the sheer amount of processing required to get the iron to become bloom and forgeable. In game terms there is the whole crazy pagan religion song of the iron that only those in Bordain's lands know.

But yeah, in the end the cost would be similar. While the timeframe to make them would probably triple. There's a reason Benedar doesn't bother.

>>1847754
While we're waiting, what kind of body type does Belissa have? I'm assuming tall and slender

“Allow me a moment to consider it my Lord,” you say with a slight pause, you had considered a lie, a white lie but one all the same so you could speak to Maffew about it. You knew making these decisions alone would only lead to ruin, Maffew would know better.

Benedar taps his plate with his fork, a look of annoyance on his face, he sighs, “As you wish Ser Landon. But do not allow Lord Bordain’s words to affect you so, I believe you have it in you to make these decisions on your own, your father was a shrewd and capable man, no reason for you to not have taken after him.”

You stop mid chew, his eyes having fallen upon you in a kindly stare, like a grandfather would give you. You nod and he turns away pleased with the interaction, though your mind feels slowed and confused further by it.

Ser Armen Tollett and Ultred Galton excuse themselves after the fourth course. Veal in lemon and butter sauce with mushrooms that burst when you chewed them. The two sellswords leave off without a single word more for you though the former gives you a long stare of distaste while he speaks with Nararo Aros. Preston Moore favors your side of the table after, for reasons unknown to you.

“Tell me Ser Grallner,” Benedar begins during the fifth course. A stuffed pheasant, you are honestly far more full than you had been in months and only nibble at while he gorges on it alongside the Pentoshi banker, “How fares you military? I was troubled to learn your younger brother had taken a festering wound in the field, have you no maester?”

“They fare my Lord, the men are bloodied with our campaign against the Moon Swallows, I have recruited a number of Knights and built a Household garrison as well recently. And..." you pause, "I do not my Lord.”

“Well that explains further why my letters go unanswered, or why Lord Frey is so insistent I pass on his marriage offers. Bloody pissant of a man…” he grumbles trailing off before beginning again, “A support corps?” he says circling in the air with his fork, “A dedicated healer of some sort?”

“Neither my Lord.”

Benedar continues chewing, long and meticulously, a gnawing sort of chew, he takes a few more bites before addressing you with a mouth full of fowl, “Do you not understand the worth of a Maester?”

“I do my Lord,” you respond, nibbling at a thigh, “But I am of opinion that my people’s spiritual needs need be tended to as well, a Septon would find as much purpose in my Household. I have maintained discipline and order throughout my ranks while sussing out the traitors, that coupled with Faith will lead them to deliverance upon the field of battle.”

The fat Pentoshi, whose stench seems to be building again, giggles as you say this with resolution. Lord Belmore hardly regards you, instead taking another bite before saying, “Get a Maester Ser Grallner. Think of it as a prestigious addition to your Household, I know you do enjoy such things.”

He was not wrong, you admitted to yourself privately though your mind slowly formulated the next thought, “My Lord. I will be truthfully, the expansion of my military, the rebuilding of the Dawntower, purchasing arms and armour, of employing new retainers… I am sworn to your word my Lord, but I fear I may not yet be able. I have spoken to my council and have come to the decision to ask for a loan, so that I may be able to build as my Lord commands.”

Nararo Aros perks up at this turn of the conversation, his mouth is full but he makes a noise that gains your attention, though Lord Belmore is quick to pull it back to himself, “You understand the committed to a loan one must have, yes? The penalties that are involved should you fail to pay it? That I may be entailed to seize assets should you default?”

You swallow your mouthful of food hard, and nod along with it, “I do my Lord. House Grallner is ready to accept these as part of our contract, as your vassal.”

Benedar taps the side of his plate again with his fork in thought, less annoyance this time you think, he flicks his knife towards Preston Moore, “Preston, we recently extended the same to Ser Branson, correct? Do you still have those papers?”

“Of course my Lord, do you wish for me to gather them?”

“Do so,” Benedar says, washing down his food with wine, the Pentoshi beside him is looking giddle now, his lips tightly shut but he rocks back and forth and rubs his hands together. He gives you a sly look when you meet eyes for a moment longer than you ever desired again.

Preston drops a stack of papers about an inch high upon the table when he returns, and leafs through them picking out four and handing them to Lord Benedar who among them picks out a single one. Removing a myrish lens from his pocket he begins to read, “Ser Grallner I am prepared to make you the offer of four thousand gold dragons, with an interest rate of 43.21% over the next three years. You will be given a six month grace period with no interest and thereafter you will pay four hundred gold dragons every two months. For ease of transaction, you may send it with the bi-monthly silver shipment.”

Nararo scoffs and laughs, a high pitched girly thing that offended your every sense, “Oh my dear Knight do not take such offers. It is practically robbery!” he continues to laugh, only to be given a hard stare from Lord Benedar which is promptly ignored. The Pentoshi banker picks off a paper from the top of Preston’s stack and flips it over, scribbling out a few sums and words, or at least you assume. Benedar annoyed begins to tap his plate again, his face wearing a mask of dislike, you assumed the dealings here were far more complicated than you had been lead to believe. Nararo wiggles in his chair to sit to his fullest length and extends the paper to you, clearly his throat and putting on that regal tone that Essosi liked to use, “Ser Landon Grallner, the Bank of Bays is ready to extend you a loan of six thousand of your gold dragons. You will find our interest rate is lower at a pittance of 15.865% over the next ten years, and while we can offer you no grace period our payments are only one hundred every two months. As you can see our rates are far fairer, and we have good reputable business dealings with good men such as yourself all about the realm, has the name Malroy ever passed your ears, from the Crownlands?”

You shake your head with a heavy worn frown.

“Oh,” he says tapping his chin, “Ah perhaps the honorable Lord Palfrey Badics? Your neighbor yes?”

You nod.

“Oh yes. Lord Palfrey is a longtime and valued lendee of the Bank of Bays. He puts on an exquisite showing whenever we visit as well, truly a man.”

You wait for him to finish but he appears to have gone off in his own mind and you just look away back at your food. The servants begin to clear the table and bring out the final course, a sweet dessert of cheesecake, served with white chocolate covered strawberries and a sweet wine glaze. To be frank the sweetness of it all almost makes you sick when you take your single bite, though from the corner of your eye you watch the Pentoshi banker lick the white chocolate from the fruit as if he were making love to it and that does the trick, you stomach grumbling with disdain from the overly filling meal.

“Lord Nararo Aros will need to make leave tonight, Ser Grallner,” Benedar says, “So if you wish to ‘think this over’ I would suggest you do so quickly.”

Loan Options
>Belmore Loan: 20 Wealth, 6 month grace no interest, 2 Wealth every House Fortune, 3 years at 43.21% interest.
>Bank of Bays Loan (Nararo Aros of Pentos): 30 Wealth, no grace, 1 Wealth every House Fortune, 10 years at 15.865% interest.
>Wait

You do not need to pick now, there is a third option from the Faith, but I will say it is smaller than both of these.

>>1847829
>>Bank of Bays Loan (Nararo Aros of Pentos): 30 Wealth, no grace, 1 Wealth every House Fortune, 10 years at 15.865% interest.
43.21% interest is fucking unbelievable.

>>1847829
As my Lord Benedar so graciously pointed out, I am not a man who is particularly skilled with numbers. But I did bring an advisor who is. May I bring both papers and consult with him? I brought him with me for a reason, and no matter how much faith in me you have my lord, a wise man must know what he does not know, and those terms are quite beyond me. I was not the best student of my father.

>>1847829
Best banker is surprisingly fair banker.

>>1847783
She is tall and thin, almost as tall as Landon. She has a pretty face, but almost no body to speak of despite being 17. She's gracefully in her step, contrary to most women that lanky sort of build. She has a few suitors about Strong Song and Grimarbour, though her elder brothers have not yet found one they like, seeing as they are majority beneath her, in their eyes.

Anyway, talk to this over a bit guys. I'm going to run and get something to eat because I'm hungry as fuck today for some reason. I'll answer any questions if they're major enough when I return.

>>1847829
>>Bank of Bays Loan (Nararo Aros of Pentos): 30 Wealth, no grace, 1 Wealth every House Fortune, 10 years at 15.865% interest.

>>1847835
He's best banker for a reason.

>>1847836
Thanks for answering, and get fed son

>>1847829
>>Bank of Bays Loan (Nararo Aros of Pentos): 30 Wealth, no grace, 1 Wealth every House Fortune, 10 years at 15.865% interest.
We can do a lot with 30 wealth

>>1847829

The Bank of Bays loan is offering a good deal on the interest rate but I am a little worried by the total amount. 30 wealth is a lot of money many we can negotiated a lower amount of money at a similar rate, 25 perhaps? Other let's go with it we have a steady source of our become in the mine so there shouldn't be any problems.

>>1847829
>>Bank of Bays Loan (Nararo Aros of Pentos): 30 Wealth, no grace, 1 Wealth every House Fortune, 10 years at 15.865% interest.

>>1847836
>She is tall and thin, almost as tall as Landon. She has a pretty face, but almost no body to speak of despite being 17.
Welp I'm in love

>>1847846
We need that much considering how much we need to get shit back up and running to the point we can pay for the loan itself.

>>1847829
>>Bank of Bays Loan (Nararo Aros of Pentos): 30 Wealth, no grace, 1 Wealth every House Fortune, 10 years at 15.865% interest.
That's fair, and that's like what, 35 Wealth we'd have to pay back? Not sure if my math is right on that one.

>>1847829
Stall once more. We will discuss the matter further with Maffew. However, thank the Essosi for its fair offer and promise to consider it.

Also, while it may more than a Maffew thing to do, what about puting in contact best banker with the people involved in the perfume business and with ehom we have struck a deal with. I mean, perfumes are often used in Lys and the rest of tge Free Cities, so having a contact with a major bank there might help best banker get a new loan deal and a new market for Maffew's relatives

>>1847829
>>Bank of Bays Loan (Nararo Aros of Pentos): 30 Wealth, no grace, 1 Wealth every House Fortune, 10 years at 15.865% interest.
30 wealth is a bit much but holy shit 43.21% interest

File: delicious.gif (1.45 MB, 326x256)

1.45 MB GIF

>>1847829
>Pentoshi banker lick the white chocolate from the fruit as if he were making love to it and that does the trick

>>1847834
>>1847858
Support. Lay out our plan to him and see if we can combo any deals.

We're also honor bound to get a measter

>>1847869
And thus Fathers quests continue to be haunted by that one gif...

>>1847627
>He isn't his preferred flavor of chocolate. But sometimes you need to indulge.

That's disgusting.

I love it.

Best banker. I bet Father just loved getting to add him in.

>>1847858
The Bank of Bays has extensive dealings with the Orlisis family. I wouldn't waste your breath, he'd laugh at Landon's ignorance. Especially because he's wearing their perfume right now. I believe I mentioned this in Malroy once but I cannot expect either you guys or myself to remember such a small detail. Or that one of Brynden's bastards is an Orlisis so of course there is dealings there.

>>1847856
>That's fair, and that's like what, 35 Wealth we'd have to pay back? Not sure if my math is right on that one.

I believe I should do the breakdown on these for ease of use.

Belmore, 4000gd(20 Wealth):
400(2 Wealth) every 2 Months, so every House Fortunes.
per year cost, 400*6=2400(12 Wealth)
per term cost, 2400*3=7200(36 Wealth)

Bank of Bays 6000gd(30 Wealth):
200(1 Wealth) every 2 Months
per year cost: 200*6=1200(6 Wealth)
per term cost: 1200*10=12000(60 Wealth)

People are seeing a big number from Belmore and are assuming it is unfair, when in reality you'll end up paying less for the Belmore loan. It's just all about spacing. We'll just say this is stuff Maffew would tell Landon.

Also no, you cannot ask for less money.

>>1847889
I honestly still think the Bank's loan is better, I'm not entirely sure though.

>>1847889
Personally I would rather have to pay back a larger loan over a longer time with lower interest than a smaller loan in a short time with crazy interest considering it can stack up on you like crazy.

>>1847889
I like the fact it's a bigger loan amount and it's less wealth per month

>>1847889
Bank loan is still better, since it puts less pressure on us compared to the Belmore loan. Also, the extra money allows us to make some luxury decisions, that we normally wouldn't have been able to make

>>1847889
If we were to get 6000gd from Belmore at his rate of interest we'd be paying back 54 wealth
which is only 6 less than the bank and over a much shorter period of time.

The Bank is looking like the wiser choice....and this way we dont cash in our chips with the faith.

>>1847869
>>1847880
>>1847881
>>1847882
That image never fails to make me laugh. God damn it I love Nararo Aros. I didn't get to go full in with him like I did with Brynden due to Landon being less observative than the former but I still snuck some stuff in there.

Anyway um... It looks like we're mostly in favor of going with the Bank of Bays' offer but there is some desire to put it off so I'll do a vote between the two.

Take the Bank of Bays' offer right now?
>Yay
>Nay, talk to Maffew first

>>1847911
>>Nay, talk to Maffew first
WE BROUGHT HIM FOR A REASON

>>1847911
>>Yay

>>1847911
>Nay, talk to Maffew first
Always check the numbers man...banks are dangerous as any army...even if I think they are the better choice as us going to the faith will put strain on things and we wanna save that favor

>>1847911
>>Nay, talk to Maffew first

Hey daddy~

>>1847911
>>Yay