>>2852457
>>Ask about where you are?

>>2852457
>>Ask about what happened after you passed out?

>>2852457
>Ask about what happened after you passed out?

>>2852482
>>2852481
>>2852480

"What happened after I passed out? I can only remember fragments." you say, your voice thin after misuse

"Prince Oberyn carried you up the Tower of the Sun and to a room. He then went and dragged myself, and Prince Doran out of the great hall, and ordered me to get dreamwine, and to check his application of Myrish fire. I tended you, while Areo Hotah stood watch, along with Ser Ascar when he found out. I kept you in a dream state with dreamwine, we tried briefly to wake you when we changed your dressings first, but you began screaming in pain, due to the Myrish Fire. While it did help, it's not intended for use on deep wounds, though I think Prince Oberyn was more concerned with venom being on the blade than how much pain you would be in."

The Maester glances at Ser Ascar, before continuing.
"Oberyn was very angry. He wanted to arrest all the minor nobles in the city and stand them in a viper pit till one confessed, but his brother decided to move more carefully. He spread the story that Ser Ascar had rescued you, and that he had smuggled you onto a ship, along with your escort and had fled the city. It was announced I was heading to the Citadel to celebrate the hundredth year of my former tutor, which explained my absence. We were joined by a small flotilla of Martell ships, who escorted us here. We're 2 hours from Shadowpeak. Prince Doran asked me to give you this, and for you not to open it till you are in Shadowpeak, and with people you trust. I'll send Lady Jelissa along shortly to help you dress. Try to get some rest."

He begins unwrapping your bandages, laying them to the side. In your side is a jagged scar, the skin bunched up and taught. the skin around it looks red and aggravated, but there seems to be no sign of a wound.

>Ask another question? (Write in)
>Wait till Jelissa arrives.
>Wake Ser Ascar
>Write in...

>>2852641
>Ask another question? (Write in)

Where is Elia ?

>>2852668
Ill second this

>>2852668
this

>>2852668
>>2852675
>>2852678

"Where is Elia? I remember her being with me..."

"Your daughter is up on deck. Jelissa is keeping an eye on her. Ser Nestar was telling her stories of Volantis when I was last up on deck."

"Ser Nestar?"

"A knight who accompanied Oberyn back from Essos a few years ago. He was a Second Son, but Oberyn invited him back. Oberyn said he might be useful, though I'm not sure what he meant by that. He looked very smug on the dock as he saw the ship off. Now, please, lie back and rest, but don't fall asleep. When Lady Jelissa comes down, start walking around on deck. You should be fine, once you've shaken the dust off."

The Maester leaves, and you drink some more water. After a few minutes, Jelissa opens the door carefully, seeing Ser Ascar, she closes the door again, then opens it fully, holding Elia's hand as Elia tiptoes past the still sleeping Ser Ascar, and comes to the edge of the bed. Elia hugs you, and whispers in your ear.

"Ser Nestar is holding Baba. I'm happy you're not dead!" She whispers, before tiptoeing around to the other side of the bed. Jelissa comes closer, and kneels down next to you.

"Elia, could you please fetch your mothers traveling clothes. The brown leather leggins, the white shirt." Jelissa asks, and as Elia moves away, Jelissa whispers in your ear.
"She doesn't understand how serious it was. She knows you were injured, but not how it happened. Now, lets get you dressed."

As you swing your legs out of bed, Jelissa begins helping you pull on your clothing. Elia is slowly waving her hand in front of Ser Ascars face, and is about to poke him, when you frown at her, and she giggles. At the giggle, Ser Ascar starts awake, and blinks. Seeing you awake, and standing, he immediately bows his head.

"My lady, I must request you release me from your service. I failed you, and you were almost killed. Release me, so my actions will bring no more harm onto you."
Jelissa blinks a few times, before picking Elia up in her arms, and walking out, Elia looking confused at what is happening. Ser Ascar continues kneeling, his head low, as tears begin falling onto the floor from his unshaven chin.
"Please my lady. I am not worthy to serve your household. I will take the black for my failure."

>Refuse, tell him it wasn't his fault, and that you won't loose him?
>Refuse, tell him you expect him to make up for it, and earn forgiveness by service?
>Accept, but tell him it wasn't his fault?
>Accept, and tell him not to return to Shadowpeak.

>>2852771
>>Refuse, tell him you expect him to make up for it, and earn forgiveness by service?

>>2852771
>Refuse, tell him it wasn't his fault, and that you won't loose him?

>>2852771
>>Refuse, tell him you expect him to make up for it, and earn forgiveness by service?

>>2852771
>Refuse, tell him you expect him to make up for it, and earn forgiveness by service?

>>2852823
>>2852785
>>2852783

"I will not release you, Ser Ascar. You have to atone to me, not to the realm, or the Seven. How would you atone for failing me, by freezing on the wall? You will stay, and redeem yourself by protecting my family. Now, the Maester told me to exercise. I leave you with your thoughts. And for the Father's sake, shave your chin."

Ser Ascar blinks a few times, before swallowing, as you walk past him slowly, stepping through the door. Jelissa is standing there, watching as Elia is jumping between piles of rope, her monkey imitating her, jumping from the piles, keeping pace with her. A tall man wearing battered half plate is leaning against the side of the ship, a 3 foot package, wrapped in oilskins next to him. He's blowing kisses towards Jelissa, who is ignoring him. Seeing you, he bows, and pushes himself off of the side, and walks over.

"Greetings, my lady. Vipereyes told me to give you this before I told you my full name. He said you might react poorly if I told you it in full."

He holds out a folded piece of paper, fairly grimy.

>Insist he tells you his name?
>Read the paper?
>Write in...

>>2852931
>>Read the paper?

>>2852931
>>2852931
>Read the paper?

>>2852931
>Read the paper?

>>2852931
>Read the paper?

Hes a Manwoody or a enemy house?

>>2852949
>>2852959
>>2852962
>>2852965

Taking the small piece of paper, you unfold it slowly. Written in a spidery scrawl is a short note, next to a sketch of a coat of arms, a foot stamping on a dead snake.

Lady Lissara, let me make amends for the incident surrounding your swearing of fealty. It was improper of me, my brother says I have issues with self-control, though I've never had complaints from Ellaria. The man who I have asked to help you is Ser Nestar Wyl. He killed his younger brother in a fight, they were fighting over a whore. Lord Cordan didn't look kindly at his middle son killing the spare son, so exiled him. Don't hold his name against him, I'd recommend taking him into your service. He has certain skills and other things that might be useful to you, beyond his sword arm. Doran is watching me write this, so I can't put anything more. You'll see in a week or two.

Folding the paper up, you frown.

"So you are from the same people whose favourite port I seized? I see why Oberyn didn't want me to jump to conclusions. He says you have skills?"

"I'm a skilled tracker. I kill people well. And no lady has ever been sorry for meeting me." He says, before blowing another kiss to Jelissa, who rolls her eyes, and turns away. Nestar grins, and picks a small roll of cloth at his feet and shakes it out. It's a tabard, with the same symbol as was drawn on the paper.

"Thought it was suitable for my grand return to Westeros. Something to show my opinions towards my family. Can't be a knight in Westeros without a coat of arms, no?"
He blows a kiss, to the back of Jelissa, then goes down on one knee.

"I offer my sword in service to you, Lady Lissara Blacksand, if you will have it."

>Ask him another question? (Write in)
>Accept
>Refuse

>>2853066
>Accept

>>2853066
>Ask him another question?
You're here as Oberyn's little bird aren't you? Why should I trust you?

>>2853066
>Accept

You are here to spy on me, arent you?

>>2853066
>Accept

>>2853084
>>2853087
>>2853091
>>2853121
Forgive me, I just deleted a near character capped post. I am a little annoyed now.

>>2853087
>>2853066
This

>>2853305
Ctrl-Z

>>2853321
I misclicked on the link to out when I went to solve the capture. It's gone.

File: IMG-20180610-WA0211.jpg (134 KB, 720x715)

134 KB JPG

>>2853332
>>2853305
Quest is over, boyz, pack it up.

>>2853305
That sucks. Id suggest writing in notepad or something then copying it over.

>>2853332
That's why I write on notepad and copy it here.

>>2853121
>>2853091
>>2853087
>>2853084
>>2853306

Combining accepting with Questioning his loyalty


“I’ll accept, but I’d be a fool not to question a gift from the Red Viper. What’s to say you’re not here to spy on me, to whisper my secrets to Oberyn?”

Ser Nestar tilts his head, and unwraps a greatsword, laying it on the deck.

“Honestly, I’d be a terrible spy. I’m a windblown sellsword from Essos, well known as a friend of Vipereyes. I killed with him in Mereen, though I still say its down to me not using Basilisk venom on my blade. No sense in using me anyway. If the Martells wanted to know what you’re doing, they’d send an “observer” to “keep the peace” in the Marches, and ask you to house them. Or they’d use someone closer to you, someone you trust. Anyway, if I betray you, I’ll be the first to hand you my sword to cut my head off.”

Nodding, you stare closely at him.
“Very well, I agree. I accept your service.”

Ser Nestar grins, then re-wraps his greatsword, before wandering over to the opposite side of the ship, and continues blowing kisses at Jelissa. Shaking your head, you walk to the front of the boat, staring at Shadowpeak in the distance, the castle looming over the port. You see a small dust cloud on the road between the two, as a small party rides towards the port. Jelissa turns to Elia, and calls out to her.
“Elia, go and get changed, we’ll be home soon.” As Elia hurries towards the cabins, Jelissa joins you.

“Shadowpeak. Its impressive, the Tor is bigger, but not so… dominating.”
“Well, I hope you’ll be happy. But you’ll have to get used to the Twins.”
Jelissa’s eyes widen slightly, but quickly settles into a implacable mask, as Ser Nestar joins the two of you.
“I always loved that castle. My father must have been irate when it was taken away.”

“Ser Nestar, go and make yourself presentable, otherwise Ser Ascar may think you are insulting me. He’s already duelled an Allyrion into unconsciousness for me.”

Ser Nestar throws his hands up, and walks back down the deck. As he goes, Jelissa watches him, smiling slightly.
“He’d be fun, but he’s too firey. I’m not going to go near someone the Red Viper thinks is a good friend.”
“You don’t have to marry him, just… have some fun.”
“I’d prefer something more solid, more stoic...”
She gazes wistfully down the boat, as Ser Ascar steps out of the Cabin, his face red from where he has dragged his belt knife over it. Jelissa quickly turns around, and looks forward.

>>2853424
The rowboat pulls up next to the pier, and Carth runs forward, Ser Darvin standing with the twins on either shoulder. Carth lifts you from boat, wraps his arms around you and lifts you off the ground, kissing you on the mouth.

"Lissara, you're back! Oh how I've missed you!"
Elia runs down the pier towards him, and hugs him around the legs.
"Dada! I've got a monkey, its called Baba! And we got songbirds, and Ser Ascar hit a rude man, and I caught a fish and.."
Carth puts you down, and picks up Elia, kissing her on the cheek.
"Quite the time you had! Now, come along, lets get back to the castle."
Carth turns, and as he does, sees Ser Nestar following Jelissa up off the boat, the long package hung on his shoulders.

"Well, Lissara, it appears you've got much to tell me? And why have you come back on a Martell ship?"

"This is Jelissa, of House Jordayne. I've brought her on as a handmaiden, it was pointed out to me that brushing my own hair was unsuitable. And this is Ser Nestar. Prince Oberyn recommended him as a sworn sword."
"Well, I trust your sense of judgement. Now, lets get up to the castle, and we can talk there."


>What are you going to tell Carth and Ser Darvin?
>Everything (The Duel, buying the relics, the business arrangements, Meeting Ellaria, being poisoned, the assassin?)
>Only the good things (the duel, buying the relics, Meeting Ellaria?)
>Only the bad things (Being poisoned, the assassin?)
>Only the plain things (Buying the relics, the business arrangements?)
>Any combo (Good/Bad/plain)

>>2853481
>Only the good things (the duel, buying the relics, Meeting Ellaria?)
>Then when we are alone fuck his brain out
>Then tell him the bad stuff

>>2853481
>Tell him everything then fuck his brains out so he does not focus on it.

>>2853481
>Everything (The Duel, buying the relics, the business arrangements, Meeting Ellaria, being poisoned, the assassin?)

>>2853481
>Only the good things (the duel, buying the relics, Meeting Ellaria?)
>fuck so hard he breaks his pelvis bone
>Tell the rest

>>2853485
>>2853497
>>2853504
>not telling our other knight about almost being assassinated

>>2853481
>Everything (The Duel, buying the relics, the business arrangements, Meeting Ellaria, being poisoned, the assassin?)

>>2853481
>Only the good things (the duel, buying the relics, Meeting Ellaria?)
>then off to the bedroom

>>2853481
>Everything but very briefly
>off to bed for the rest of the day

>>2853511
But Ascar will get more depress, probably try to kill himself then we'll have to send Jelissa to cheer him up and perhaps seduce his brains out. So messy.

>>2853535
Ascar already knows. I'm talking about Darvin, which it fucking says in the post, duder.

>>2853511
We will tell the rest of our trustworthy court after

>>2853540
Is our wound totally healed though? It might open up or something.

>>2853537
That's what I said. He'll get more depress of more people knowing of his "failure."

>>2853543
What the fuck are you talking about, we have to tell them everything that happened so it doesn't fucking happen again. It's kinda an obligation, not just a courtesy. Perhaps not right away, but soon anyways.

>>2853485
>>2853497
>>2853502
>>2853504
>>2853514
>>2853518
>>2853531
>Only the good things (the duel, buying the relics, Meeting Ellaria?)
>fuck so hard he breaks his pelvis bone
>Tell the rest

Taking this, it seems to be the most popular

>>2853559
No? It was everything then dragging him off to bed so he does not get too bent up about it.

>>2853563
The only difference is whether we tell him everything before or after breaking his bone.

>>2853575
If we tel lhim after he will be too exhausted to cause a great fuss and if we tell him before it might ruin the mood.

>>2853581
He will see the new jagged scar when we take our clothes off, lmao. It will be even worse cuz we didn't tell him right away.

>>2853563
We've got
>>2853531
>>2853497
For beforehand, and
>>2853485
>>2853504
For only the good then everything but more people want everything than just the good so this is a compromise.

and

>>2853581
This. Let's get him in a good and tired mood first so he doesn't go berserk...at first.

>>2853559
Carth lifts you up into his saddle, and the whole group of you ride up to the Castle. Carth walks with you up to Solar, and you see Ser Ascar and Ser Darvin talking in a low voice, Ser Nestar leaning on the wall next to them. Jelissa and Elia go with the twins to put the birdcage somewhere, the monkey hopping along as the twins crowd around their sister. Carth sits down in the Solar, and pours you a goblet. You go through the trip, how Yronwood was very formal, but welcoming, and get to the Duel. Carth raises his goblet to Ser Ascar when he hears of the knights victory. He expresses curiosity at the relics, but is more interested in the meeting with Ellaria, laughing when you tell how she thought you were a whore, saying he hoped the whores in Sunspear didn’t tire you out. Taking this as you opportunity, you assure him none were as handsome as him, and lead him by the hand to your shared chambers.

Afterwards, as the sun is getting low outside, Carth is lying there with his eyes closed, breathing hard. You had managed to hide the scar, using the low light level, and the fact that you can keep him distracted. However, you know you cannot leave things hidden.

“Carth, things didn’t go so smoothly. There was… an incident. Oberyn thought it would be funny to lightly poison me when I swore my oath. Ellaria made him treat me, and apologise. Thats partly why Ser Nestar is here. But its something else. Someone tried to have me killed.”

Carth had sat up as you’d spoken, but at this he immediately stands, and grabs you, searching your body. He finds the scar, and glares at you.
“What happened? Is this what it was? Who did it!?”

“Calm down, Carth. The man is dead, Oberyn was drinking nearby and intervened, but not before he stabbed my bad. It’s why I came back on the Martell’s ship. Oberyn felt guilty apparently.”

Carth breathes heavily a few times, before wrapping his arms around you and pulling you tight.
"I'm going to see whoever did this crawl in the dirt...."

>First Chapter finished

>Gain 3 Glory
>Gain 20 experience.

>What do you want to put your glory into?
Glory can be put into House Resources, 1-1. Which Resources do you want to invest in?

>Defence: 30 (30 Spent
>Influence: 39 (35 spent)
>Lands: 45 (45 spent)
>Law: 22
>Population: 21
>Power: 46 (45 spent)
>Wealth: 28 (25 spent)

>Next post will be experience
>Then House Fortunes, as we skip a week for things settling down.

>>2853686
Can you post the sheets for the resource levels?

>>2853686
I'd say all 3 into wealth so we can buy a market soon.

>>2853686
Bank it

>>2853708
He banked it?

>>2853697
Sorry, I haven't got that one saved, and I can't find the House Creation for Malroy where Father had posted it. I can write them in.

>>2853744
I wouldn't pay too much attention to it. The progression of some resources are insanely fast. Just wing it and use your own scaling.

>>2853697
>(21-30) Defensible, with at least one fortified town or castle. Roads and trails are present, and rivers or ports are likely.
>(31-40) A minor house. Examples include House Clegane, House Payne, and House Karstark
>(41-50) A large area of land, that spreads across a great distance. This area likely includes a variety of terrain features. House Martell’s control of Dorne is representative of this level of resource.
>(21-30) The typical level of Law throughout much of Westeros. Crime is common but not out of control.
>(21-30) Typical population. Most smallfolk live on farmsteads or in hamlets, but you might have a couple of small towns and a community around your primary fortification.
>(41-50) A large force of diverse, trained, and competent soldiers. You probably also have the services of a small navy as well. Several banner houses are sworn to you.
>(21-30) Common. Your family has enough to get by.

>>2853761
Control of Dorne is being taken as House Martell owning their direct land (Most of the Greenblood East of Godsgrace, the northern mountains, and the coast north of the Greenblood)

>>2853686
>>2853744
All 3 in Wealth.
I think you said you're using 1.0 or something, but I don't know much about the different versions or homebrew that Father or them made, I didn't really read them. I have a pdf of "game of thrones" edition, is that fine to base off?.

>>2853771
Yeah that should be fine. The only errata that really matters is the House Fortunes table. I don't like the newer one, because after you get some good bonuses, its impossible to get a bad result, not so with the older one.

>>2853781
I thought I remembered the different levels giving you bonuses, like having the next level of law giving you move gold or something, but I forget where I read that. I just picked Fortunes cuz it gives more actual money.

File: Abilities and Specialties.png (92 KB, 320x772)

92 KB PNG

>>2853771
>>2853703
>>2853708
>>2853722

>Wealth

Defence: 30 (30 Spent
Influence: 39 (35 spent)
Lands: 45 (45 spent)
Law: 22
Population: 21
Power: 46 (45 spent)
Wealth: 31 (25 spent)

You have 20 xp to spend (2 Specialties, or bank to save for a level in an ability)

>>2853795
Bank

>>2853791
There's some bonuses to house fortune from having certain population and law levels. Smaller than what your Maester and Port give you. Currently your Law is too low for you to get over the threshold with the glory, and it's only giving you a -2. Your Pop is giving you a +1, and at the next level would give you +3

>>2853795
1b into Empathy
1b into Swim
I pick Swim cuz we sailed a lot and apparently we can't actually swim, only float, if we don't have a specialty into it.

>>2853795
Empathy
Notice

>>2853826
>>2853795
I'll switch to
1b into Empathy
1b into Resilience
Resilience is used to resist poisons and diseases and shit like that

>>2853830
>>2853801
Wanna just put 1 point in Empathy and bank the other?

>>2853860
Fine

>>2853801
>>2853826
>>2853830
>>2853848

Empathy seems locked in. We'll stick at that. 10 xp banked.

Now, give me 5d6 (Carth has 1 dice in stewardship).

Rolled 1, 4, 1, 3, 5 = 14 (5d6)

>>2853869

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

>>2853869

Rolled 2, 5, 3, 6, 1 = 17 (5d6)

>>2853869

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>2853877
>>2853886
>>2853872
Law modifier (-2)
Population modifier (+1)
Maester (+3)
Port (+5)
(+7)

21, 29, 24

Growth, Curse Growth

>1 Growth
>2 Curse
>3 Growth

>>2853919
waaaaaaah

>>2853919
Curse.
One resource reduces by d3, two resources by 1

d3
>Defense
>Influence
>Lands
>Law
>Population
>Power
>Wealth

2 by 1
>Defense
>Influence
>Lands
>Law
>Population
>Power
>Wealth

>>2853928
d3 on wealth

>>2853928
Reduce wealth by d3
Law and Influence by 1

>>2853939
>>2853937
give me a d3, and that'll be it for this evening. Same time tomorrow

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>2853970
Where everyone go, it's saturday night, should be full of busters.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>2853970

File: HouseMalroy.CoA.2.png (41 KB, 634x737)

41 KB PNG

>>2852771
>"A knight who accompanied Oberyn back from Essos a few years ago. He was a Second Son, but Oberyn invited him back

Oh shit he probably knows Brynden Malroy then and the Sons of Gold too. Maybe someday we'll get some stories from his sellswording days

>Early Start today!

Carth seems to handle the news of your near-death experience by throwing himself into the business of managing the house. He spends days pouring over ledgers, double checking amounts. He seems slightly surprised at how much you and Ser Ascar spent at Sunspear, but your coffers cover the losses. Maester Borrell informs you that Master Hotas has arrived in Shadowpeak, and while he isn't conducting much actual business in Shadowpeak, the port is seeing an uptick of activity. However, it is the news he brings you a week after your return that interests you more...

You and Carth are playing with Baba, as Calrin and Cerran clap from where they sit on the floor. Carth is placing treats around the room, as you cover Baba's eyes. Jelissa is re-brushing Elia's hair, as Elia watches Baba run up ontop the bookshelf, and reach inside a small chest, pulling out a small segment of orange. Maester Borrel steps into the room, and bows.

"My Lady, my Lord, a raven has come from the Bank of Bays. They say their chief negotiator left the Vale 12 days ago, and is travelling here, in order to discuss business."

Carth looks up, and nods.
"We should prepare something. If they were unwilling to speak with us on principal, sweetening the pot might be a good move. A small expensive meal, or some form of entertainment. I honestly don't know anything about Pentoshi nobility, what should we do?"

"I would advise food and wine. Having Master Hotas in Shadowpeak will be an asset, and we might speak to him about Pentos, he may have a better idea of the fashions over there."

>Ask about food, what can be arranged?
>Ask about Entertainment, what can be arranged?
>Call for a person to ask about Pentoshi customs (Write in...)

>>2855601
>Ask about food, what can be arranged?

>>2855601
>Call for a person to ask about Pentoshi customs
Nestar

>>2855601
>>Ask about food, what can be arranged?
Make sure to include a chocolate dish

>>2855624
>>2855621
>>2855615

"What can we do about food and drink? That would be most important, it's going to be the first thing they experience beyond our greeting them."

"Well, I must confess, I know very little of Pentoshi luxuries, but we can make a show based on how luxurious you desire to be. A normal feast, as you would put on for a birthday, or a midsummer celebration, or the coming of spring, would be easy to do, but not exactly extravagant. We could make an exceptionally Dornish feast, with luxuries from Yronwood and Sunspear, a fast caravan could purchase them in time before the envoy makes it here. Or we go over the top, fetch the finest foods and luxuries, Essosi rarities, chocolate and spices from the Summer Islands, Sothoryos and beyond Valyria. As for wine, I'm certain Master Hotas could suggest some fine vintages, though again, price would come up."

Carth frowns.
"The problem we face is we know nothing about the negotiator. He could be a Westerosi, employed by the bank, or a Norvoshi ascetic. We'll need to speak to Master Hotas about wine anyway, so we can ask him when he comes here. Borrell, please send a runner to fetch him."

"Yes my lord. Do you wish anyone else to consult with, or just Master Hotas?"

>Yes (Write in...)
>No, just Hotas to talk about the wine?
>No, just Hotas, to talk about wine and advice?

>>2855691
>No, just Hotas, to talk about wine and advice?

>>2855691
>>No, just Hotas, to talk about wine and advice?

>>2855691
>>No, just Hotas, to talk about wine and advice?

>>2855717
>>2855704
>>2855695

"No, just Master Hotas. No need to crowd the room. Jelissa, could you take the children somewhere, myself and Carth will need some quiet."
Borrell bows, and holds the door open for Jelissa, who leads the children out of the Solar. Baba jumps down behind Elia, and scrambles up onto her shoulder. Carth takes the chance to straighten out the room, and return some of the scrolls that are scattered around the floor to their correct places. You are waiting for about ten minutes, when there is a knock on the door, and Master Hotas steps through. Carth is seated behind the desk, while you are standing by the fireplace. Carth looks up from the blank piece of paper he was holding, and looks pleased as he sees Master Hotas.

"Ahh, Master Hotas. So good to see you. I trust Shadowpeak is treating you well?"

Master Hotas nods, bowing his head.
"Yes my lord, I find it to be as suitable as your wife promised it would be, not having to pay the Boneway or Princes Pass tolls is a great help. Now, Maester Borrell said you had business and questions for me? Which do you want to handle first?"

"I think questions first. We are expecting a visit from a Pentoshi banker, and we know little of Pentoshi tastes. We thought your experience with Essos might prove useful."

Master Hotas' face falls, and he frowns.

"Pentoshi are degenerate slaver scum. They have been forced to hide their actions by Braavos, but that doesn't change their flaunting of the numerous treaties we have with them. As for their taste, I have yet to meet a rich Pentoshi who was not so lazy as to never have walked a mile in their life. Anything that helps them in that aim will please them. As for wine, offer them everything, but make sure they only select one you have. Pentoshi respect a well stocked cellar, but you don't have to have it for them to think so. As for food, spiced and rich, thats all that matters. Pentoshi like to taste the gold that was spent to buy the food."

Carth frowns.
"This sounds like it's going to get expensive."

Master Hotas shrugs.
"Pentoshi. They like gold and making others work for them. What are you planning to do for food? If I know that, I can offer you some wine suggestions."

Carth glances at you.

>Westerosi food, fairly common feast (No Cost)
>Dornish lavish feast (1 wealth)
>Essosi luxurious feast, with spices, chocolate and rare foods (3 wealth)

>>2855799
>>Westerosi food, fairly common feast (No Cost)

>>2855799
>Westerosi food, fairly common feast (No Cost)

>>2855799
>Dornish lavish feast (1 wealth)
We won’t have any entertainment, so we have to make up for it in the food and wine categories

>>2855815
You're right. Switching to this.

>>2855799
>Westerosi food, fairly common feast (No Cost)

>>2855799
>Dornish lavish feast (1 wealth)

>>2855828
>>2855825
>>2855820
>>2855815
>>2855805

>Dornish Feast

>>2855834

"We plan to have a Dornish feast. We don't have time to get food from Essos and further a field, so we'll do the best Dorne can provide. Stuffed eggs, larks in orange sauce, dragon peppers, citrus fruit with ice, that sort of thing." you say, as Carth makes a few notes on the paper in front of him.

Master Hotas nods, and thinks for a few moments.

"In which case, I'd suggest some sweeter wines. Arbor Gold would be a good cheap option, and you can have enough for a feast without problem. More expensive, but very thematic would be a Pentoshi amber, should remind him of home, and cool the mouth quite well. Should also satisfy any sweet tooth he has. Finally, the Plum wine I offered you to taste in Sunspear. It would be exceptionally pricey, to have enough to serve the man while he is here, but you could get two casks, and give one as a gift? And drink differently yourself? either way, it would be very costly, I've only got 3 casks of it, and those are very small."

>Arbor Gold (No cost)
>Pentoshi Amber (1 Wealth)
>Yitish Plum Wine (2 Wealth)

>>2855860
>Pentoshi Amber (1 Wealth)

>>2855860
>>Pentoshi Amber (1 Wealth)

>>2855860
>Arbor Gold (No cost)
>Pentoshi Amber (1 Wealth)
Have both ready to go - to ensure that we appear well stocked.

>>2855860
>Pentoshi Amber (1 Wealth)

Spend money to make money

>>2855860
>Pentoshi Amber

>>2855883
>>2855875
>>2855879
>>2855882

"Pentoshi Amber. No sense in breaking the bank, but some extravagance is called for. We'll offer him Amber Gold as well, but our stocks should cover it. Thank you, Master Hotas. You've been very helpful."

Hotas bows, and leaves. Carth turns to you, and taps his quill.
"We might want to go for some entertainment. Even if it's just some singers, a silent meal, or a meal only containing business talk is a dire thing. We could get any singer from the nearby lands, or try to get a group of musicians. We could spend more, and get some dancing girls from Sunspear if you wanted. Though I must admit, I don't know what would look good. I'm not a "degenerate" as Hotas put it."

"You can be very degenerate when you want to be..." you say, walking over. Carth puts his hand up, and points to the paper.
"Entertainment first, then "entertainment"."

>A Singer. Paid in food and lodging for a few days, and whatever coins they gain.
>A group of Musicians. Paid in food and lodging for a few days. More impressive than the singer, but with potentially fewer songs.
>Dancing girls from Sunspear, paid upfront and traveling by ship (1 Wealth)

>>2855926
>A Singer. Paid in food and lodging for a few days, and whatever coins they gain.

>>2855926
>A Singer. Paid in food and lodging for a few days, and whatever coins they gain.

>>2855926
>>2855926
>>A Singer. Paid in food and lodging for a few days, and whatever coins they gain.

Find a handsome man. Dancing girls would be a waste on Aros.

>>2855926
>A Singer. Paid in food and lodging for a few days, and whatever coins they gain.

>>2855945
>>2855937
>>2855932

"No sense in being too costly. A singer will be happy to serve the role, and we won't need to pay them anything in particular."

"Well, that's it then. Do you want to send out some people to search for a singer, so as to find a good one, or just check around? We can send scouts and soldiers, they'll get a wider area covered, but if we send Sers Darvin, Ascar and Nestar, they might have a better idea of what would be suitable."

>Send the scouts out to look for a singer in the surrounding area?
>Send the sworn swords out to find a singer?
>Just wait, a singer will be in the tavern in the port at some point, that will do.

>>2856032
>Send the scouts out to look for a singer in the surrounding area?

>>2856032
>Send the scouts out to look for a singer in the surrounding area

>>2856032
>Send the scouts out to look for a singer in the surrounding area?

>>2856036
>>2856041
>>2856046

"We'll send the scouts out. Wider is better, we'll be more likely to find someone who can actually sing well."

Carth nods, and notes down a small note, calls for a servant to take the note to Ruger. The next few days are taken up by a rush of readying for the visit, as a handcart of wine, containing two barrels of Arbor Gold, and 2 casks of Pentoshi Amber are delivered. Shipments of ice, citrus fruit, and dragon peppers arrive, along with honey, game birds, and fish packed with salt and ice.


>Please roll me (4d6) for your scouts searching for a singer.

Rolled 3, 6, 1, 6 = 16 (4d6)

>>2856097

Rolled 4, 6, 4, 2 = 16 (4d6)

>>2856097

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

>>2856097

Rolled 6, 6, 2, 6 = 20 (4d6)

>>2856097

>>2856118
>>2856110
>>2856104
16, 16, 18 vs TN 18 (1 degree of success)


It's been about two days, when Ruger enters the Solar, and bows, saying his scouts have returned with 4 singers, who were willing to travel to Shadowpeak. You and Carth were in the process of planning out where the meal would take place. Carth smiles at the news, he'd been stressing over the lack of entertainment for the last few days.

"Well, bring them in. Lets speak to them. One at a time, though, no sense in crowding the room." you say, seating yourself on Carth's lap, your legs up across his lap, your hands wrapped around his neck. Carth looks confused, so you whipser in his ear.

"I don't want you getting seduced by some singer girl. So I'm just reminding you I'm here, given how much you've been stressing over this..."

Carth grins, and puts an arm around you, as a man wearing bright blue and red motley steps through the door.

"Greetings my Lord, and to your lady wife. I am Olivar the Lark, recently of Highgarden, where I serenaded the young Lady Tyrell and her brothers, and Lord Tyrell attributed me with a voice of a lark, hence my new moniker! There is no need to even consider the other harp pluckers outside, I am all you will need...."

You raise a hand, and silence him.
"I was under the impression that it was music that we wanted, not eloquent titles. Please, demonstrate..."

"Yes, my Lady, I'm sure your Lord husband will be pleased with my skills."

Olivar takes out a fiddle, and plays a skilled rendition of Fair Maids of Summer. His voice seems fine, but it his musical skill that catches your ear. when he finishes with a flourish, Carth thanks him, and tells him to go to the kitchen, to be fed, and given something to drink, and that Ruger will show him the way. Looking slightly affronted, he leaves, and is followed by a short man wearing a hood, holding a harp. He bows, and begins to play. If anything, his music is even better than Olivars, though he doesn't sing the entire time. The harp sounds exceptional though, and you and Carth are silent throughout. Once he finishes, you lean forward slightly, and ask.

"Why don't you sing? Isn't that a requirement for a bard?"

The man bows again, and opens his mouth. Inside, you can see his tongue has been cut out. Carth gags slightly, and gestures for the man to leave, telling him the same about the kitchen.

>>2856256
If the singer without a tongue was strange, the woman who walks through next is even stranger. Completely bald, her skin is a deep olive, and under her right eye is a tear shaped scar. She is wearing purple silks, with small golden chains running from bracelets to a golden collar around her neck. When she speaks, her accent sounds Essosi.

"Forgive me, My lady, but my sister, outside? She is my companion, we are a duet."

Carth looks at you, and when you shrug, he calls for Ruger to send the next singer in as well. The woman who walks through looks almost identical, except her jewelry is silver. She has a matching scar, except it is underneath her left eye. After bowing, the two of them kneel, and then begin to sing, a song you recognise as The Dance of the Dragons, a lament of the Doom of Valyria. You have never heard it sung by two women, but the two voices appear to complement each other almost perfectly. When the song ends, you feel Carth move slightly, and see him wiping a tear from his eye. Seeing your husband is in no state to talk, you take the initiative.

"That was beautiful. What are your names?"

"I am Orolana"
"I am Oroleah"
The two of them say in almost unison. Dismissing them, you turn to Carth, and pinch him gently on the arm, snapping him out of the mood he's in.

"Carth... we need to make a decision. Preferably before they finish eating..."

Carth sniffs, then shakes his head slightly.

"We have a choice between the best music, the best singing, and one who can do both. Unless appearance plays into it..."


>Olivar the Lark, good music and singing?
>The Tongueless bard, great music?
>Orolana and Oroleah, great singing?

>>2856293
>Orolana and Oroleah, great singing?

>>2856293
>>Olivar the Lark, good music and singing?

>>2856293
>Olivar the Lark, good music and singing

>>2856293
>Olivar the Lark, good music and singing?
As much as I would like the twins, we need instruments too, can't have their voices distract all the business

>>2856293
>Olivar the Lark, good music and singing?
The sisters are great, but they are not the eye candy we need unfortunately

>>2856335
You are just afraid that they will seduce our poor innocent husband and commit all manner of wicked deeds upon him

>>2856293
>Olivar the Lark, good music and singing
>Orolana and Oroleah, great singing

I kind of want both, there will be multiple courses we could do both. Do a little competition and offer to take the one on that impresses Master Aros. If we can't do that then the sisters

>>2856348
That sounds like a good idea.

>>2856346
No, I hope he does it with them and he gets better, and thne we have amazing jealousy sex to prove we're s till better.

>>2856348
Heck. We could even offer one of them to become court musician.

>>2856348
I just assumed we would be stuck between one or the other cuz cost and such. I would be down for this.

>>2856365
Cost isn't a problem, they're being paid in food and lodging. They might ask for money if they think they can get away with it though.

>>2856293
>>The Tongueless bard, great music?
>>Orolana and Oroleah, great singing?
Honestly I just want to keep the tongueless bard around.

Okay, so people want to do a "final round" between the sisters and Olivar, or make a final decision.

Pros
>Find out more about them, what they might want?
>Find out how deep their range is, if they can hold up?

Cons
>May offend them if any have egos.
>May cause arguments between the two

>>2856406
I'd like to hire both and keep the twins and let the Lark go after our business is concluded.

Okay there are 4 votes for both the Twins and Olivar, and 3 votes for Olivar. You'll hire both for the meeting, and we'll see about keeping anyone afterwards.

>>2856406
Keep them both. Keep the Lark after the business is concluded and let the twins go

>>2856447
id rather do this

>>2856490
“We need music, not just singing. But I can’t let those girls leave after they made you weep, Carth. I’m going to make sure you get to enjoy that again. And Olivar will do well filling the room when we need to speak. If that’s fine with you...”

Carth swallows, and wipes his eyes. He takes a deep breath, and smiles at you.

“Yes. We’ll tell the three of them we’re employing them. No sense in under-doing it, if we are trying to show off.”

The twins simply curtsey in thanks to you when you and Carth call them in, and tell them both they and Olivar will be performing. Olivar, on the other hand, steps forward and shakes Carth’s hand, waggling his eyebrows.
“I know why I’d keep them around my Lord, but don’t let her Ladyship find out, eh!”
He laughs loudly, bows floridly, and performs a trill on his lute.
“My Lord I will not let you down! Just make sure I’m front and centre, the Essosi can sing from behind a curtain.”
Before you or Carth can respond, Olivar walks out backwards. Shaking his head, Carth sighs, and begins to resume planning the layout of the feast.

>>2856615
You are walking down the corridor when you see Ser Nestar gazing out the window. He’s scratching his rough beard, and looking somewhat confused. As you come closer, you can hear Ololana and Ololeah singing, and moving next to Ser Nestar, you see the two girls singing together, in a tongue you can’t understand, sitting on the inner wall of Shadowpeak. Ser Nestar taps his fingers on the windowsill, and frowns deeply.

“My lady, I asked Ruger where those girls came from. He said one of his scouts heard them singing in a tavern in the Rainwood, and invited them here, to perform. But I swear I’ve heard them before...”

“Well Ser Nestar? Is there anything you think you should tell me?”

“No, I’ll not make statements I can’t back up. It’s probably nothing, I’ve seen dozens of Volantene girls singing, and that style isn’t uncommon. Its nothing, I’m sure. Apologies for even bringing it up, my Lady.”

Leaving Ser Nestar, you walk past the Solar, and hear Carth speaking inside.

“Master Olivar, I have made it quite clear. The twins will be singing first, then you will perform quiet melodies throughout the dinner, and then they will sing at the end. You will both be paid the same amount.”

“My lord, you’re trusting an important matter to some people who are barely tested, they have no name in Westeros. I know every major singer, from here to the Neck, and I can’t think of a single singer who matches them, let alone two. Essosi singers may be exotic, but they are fundamentally not as skilled as a Westerosi bard. I bet they can’t even turn a Marcher Ballard. Your wife may have a taste for the exotic, but I’d think a Lord of a House could put impressing his guest above his wife’s personal tastes..”

“You haven’t been in Dorne much, have you Master Olivar.” you hear Carth say, his voice adopting a steely tone you haven’t heard since he said he was going to fight alongside you against the bandits.

“Well, no not as such. I’ve performed at Casterly Rock, High Garden, even at the wedding of Lord Rosby, but this is my first time in Dorne...”


>Step into the room and interupt, pointing out you are the Lady of the House, Carth doesn’t hold the title.
>Step into the room, but say nothing.
>Continue listening?
>Walk away?

>>2856622
>>Step into the room and interupt, pointing out you are the Lady of the House, Carth doesn’t hold the title.

>>2856622
>>Step into the room and interupt, pointing out you are the Lady of the House, Carth doesn’t hold the title

>>2856622
>Step into the room and interupt, pointing out you are the Lady of the House, Carth doesn’t hold the title.

>>2856622
>>Step into the room and interupt, pointing out you are the Lady of the House, Carth doesn’t hold the title.
Carth is my bitch, not the other way around

>>2856622
>continue listening

he might take the news better from the "lord" of shadowpeak. plus I am genuinely interested

>>2856622
>>Step into the room, but say nothing.

>>2856670
>>2856650
>>2856655
>>2856664

You step through the door, clearing your throat loudly. Carth is sitting down, one hand clenched on the table, the other hidden from site. Olivar the Lark is standing infront of him, but is looking towards the window, his arm raised towards the window in an exaggerated gesture. As you enter, Olivar turns, and immediately bows, flourishing his hand high above his back.

“Master Olivar, you may not be aware, but I am the Lady of Shadowpeak. Carth Penrose is my husband. My father held this title, and it passed to me, I recently returned from Sunspear, where I swore fealty to House Martell. You have made a gross mistake, Master Olivar, and I expect you to apologise. Now.”

Olivar turns quite pale, and immediately stutters out.

“My lady, I pray forgive me, I did not know...”

“Out.” says Carth. “You will provide music softly during the meal, and sing only if asked.”

Olivar almost runs out, and as he does, you can hear Ser Nestar call after him.

“Hurry, reach boy, they’re picking all the flowers! Run quick, or you’ll be plucked!” before laughing loudly.

Carth unclenches his fist and lifts his other hand up, revealing it holding a dagger.

“If you hadn’t come in I’d have stabbed him. I can handle the ego, but his arrogance, I can’t believe he behaved that way in Casterly Rock, if half of what I’ve heard of Tywin Lannister is true.”

“Well, he won’t have to stay around. Not unless he changes his attitude completely.”

Carth closes his eyes, and massages his temples. Walking around, you move his hands away, and begin doing it yourself. Carth groans, and breathes out in a long drawn out sigh. You slide his chair back, and slip into his lap, still massaging his temples, and kiss him. Carth opens his eyes and smiles resignedly.
“And here I was thinking of taking a nap….”

>>2856801

The next, day, as you are watching from the walls of Shadowpeak, one of your warships sails into port, and a cabin boy jumps over the side and runs through the port. He dashes up the winding path, and stops panting outside the gate. He hands a small note to the guard, who brings it inside, where Borrell is called for, and who then heads inside, before coming out a few minutes later, scanning the walls. Seeing you, he hurries up to you and hands the note over.

Reading it, you see it is from one of your ship captains. Apparently, they saw a ship with gulltown colours sailing towards the port on the horizon, and figuring the only reason a vale ship would be sailing this way was to visit, sent word of it back.

"My lady, this is most likely the banker, they will be here in a few hours. We need to decide how you will greet them."

Carth spits out the seeds of the orange he was eating, and shrugs.

"We can have the family there, though that might not be suitable, given how young the children are. Or our retainers, fully armoured, they look impressive enough."

Borrell pauses breifly.
"If impressive is what we are looking for, then a full military presence, surely. Our infantry look most impressive, though that might be too much, make them think they are too important."

>You and Carth will be present.

>Full escort (Family, Sworn Swords, Infantry)
>Formal Escort (Infantry only)
>Personal escort (Sworn swords)
>Court escort (Family and sworn swords)
> Family only. (Jelissa is included in this group)

>>2856869
>>Court escort (Family and sworn swords)

>>2856869
>Court escort (Family and sworn swords)

Jesus christ Carth chill.

>>2856869
>>Personal escort (Sworn swords)

>>2856869
>Personal escort

>>2856869
>Personal escort (Sworn swords)

>>2856901
Carth has the same motivation as you, Love. He's very passionate.
>>2856942
>>2856910
>>2856902
>>2856901
>>2856893

"We'll have the knights only. No sense in risking the children blurting something out. Borrell, please go and tell them to make ready."

As Borrell bows and hurries away, Carth offers you his arm, and the two of you saunter inside, preparing for the meeting.

"Now, my Lady, hold still. I'm putting the colour onto your eyelids, it'll make them stand out more. But you mustn't blink while I do it."

You feel something smooth drag across your eyelids, before Jelissa speaks again.

"Now, open your eyes, and blink twice."

You open your eyes, and see a thin brush directly in-front of your face. Blinking, you pull back, only for Jelissa to lean in closer, and then nod.
"Good, it applied. Don't rub your eyes, otherwise it'll stain your fingers. Now, for scent, I recommend this, crushed mountain flowers. And your dress is ready, once you have applied it."

Jelissa hands you a small wad of cloth, that smells strongly of flowers. Seeing you look confused, she mimes dabbing it on her neck, before picking up your dress, and bringing it over. After dabbing the cloth experimentally onto your neck, you step into the dress, and Jelissa pulls it tight. She hands you two rings, and then clasps the silver and amethyst necklace around your neck.
"Right, of you go, don't step in any puddles, or ride too quickly, it'll kick up dust."

Stepping out of your chamber, you see Carth, Ser Ascar and Ser Nestar standing outside. Ser Ascar freezes in place, while Ser Nestar lets out a low whistle. Carth raises his eyebrows at the two of them, before taking your arm, and striding down the hall. Carth is wearing a doublet of dark blue and black, a stiletto dagger at his hip. Ser Ascar and Ser Nestar are in their armour, and their faces look freshly washed. Ser Nestar has even shaved...

"Ser Darvin has the horses ready, we should ride up, just after the ship docks." says Carth, and as you step into the sun, he lifts you up onto your sand steed, saddled and ready to go. Ser Darvin is holding the reins, and looks similarly scrubbed, though his beard is still firmly in place. The knights mount up behind you, and you ride down towards the dock.

>>2857072
When you arrive, as Carth said, the ship has been docked for about a minute, and a few people are coming down the ramp. They are dressed in yellow silks, with leather collars around their necks, and are carrying small chests, which they place at the end of the pier. Then, a figure appears at the top of the ramp, leaning on two summer islands men, his girth making it briefly difficult for him to get off of the ship. He looks a little green, and as he slowly walks down the ramp, he staggers slightly. A smell of sweat and vomit carries to you, though your perfume goes some way to covering it up. The man reaches the bottom of the ramp, and blinks a few times, before vomiting into the water. He straightens up, and gives a weak smile towards you, as one of the collared figures move forward, holding out a wineskin. The man takes a mouthful, spits into the water again, and then takes another long swig. He then opens his mouth, revealing teeth of gold, and one of the summer islanders speaks.

"The Honoured Nararo Aros, Chief officer of the Bank of Bays in Westeros. Visiting the Lady of Shadowpeak, Lady Lissara Blacksand."


>Thats all for tonight folks. 1900 UTC tommorow.

>>2857106
Thank you for running

Thanks for the run

The banker sways slightly, as you and Carth dismount, and walk closer. Breathing shallowly, you bow, and greet him.

"Honoured Nararo Aros, I welcome you to Shadowpeak. I trust your time will be comfortable, and profitable here."

Aros sways, and raises a hand, lowering his head slightly, and then leans forward, bowing, supported by the two summer islanders. His hand is trembling slightly, but other than that, he seems to be recovered from his vomiting.

"Lady Lissara, your beauty is as the dawn. I fear that travel around the Stormlands lived up to its name, and I find myself quite unwell. May i trouble you to allow myself a day of rest, before we move onto the assessment of your lands?"

"Of course, Honoured Aros. Come, a room has been made ready for you."

As you walk back towards your horse, you hear a small whimper come from the fat pentoshi. Glancing back, you see him staring at the path up to Shadowpeak, a look of anguish on his face. You see no horses being brought down the ramp, and you doubt any would be able to carry him up the twisting path. He bows again, and takes a few steps forward.

"My lady, can I appeal for you to conduct our business in the port? I am a poor rider, and the path looks daunting while I have yet to loose my unsteadiness."

>Agree, conduct business in the Port tavern. (Feast will be worse)
>Disagree, he'll have to make the climb, but the hospitality would be worth it?
>(Carriage) Send one of your sworn swords back to collect the carriage, to carry Nararo up the path.

>>2859083
>(Carriage) Send one of your sworn swords back to collect the carriage, to carry Nararo up the path.

>>2859083
>>(Carriage) Send one of your sworn swords back to collect the carriage, to carry Nararo up the path.

>>2859083
>(Carriage) Send one of your sworn swords back to collect the carriage, to carry Nararo up the path

>>2859083
>(Carriage) Send one of your sworn swords back to collect the carriage, to carry Nararo up the path.
Gunna lose the carriage, aren't we

>>2859134
My money is on sabotage.

>>2859083
>(Carriage) Send one of your sworn swords back to collect the carriage, to carry Nararo up the path.

>>2859134
If we're going by Fathers previous descriptions of Aros it'll at the very least need some serious cleaning.

>>2859118
>>2859091
>>2859113

"Honoured Aros, please do not stress yourself over such things." you say, before turning in your saddle.
"Ser Darvin, is the carriage ready for use? Could it be fetched?"
Ser Darvin nods, and turns his horse around riding up the path. Aros looks relieved, and waves his hand towards the boxes and calls something in Pentoshi to his servants. They open one of the chests, and take out a wooden, cushioned bench, the length of the chest, and place it down, while unpacking four poles and a linen sheet. They set it up, and Nararo lowers himself onto it, sighing loudly.

"My lady, you would not know the trials this poor servant of yours has been through. A storm hit off of Estermont, and my poor constitution has not recovered. I have been quite distraught, and unable to rest my eyes properly."

" I am sure it was horrible, Honoured Aros." says Carth, as the small group of you stand there in awkward silence. A servant offers Aros a small dish of some morsel that crunches loudly as he eats them, whole handfuls at a time. It lasts about five minutes, as the carriage can be seen, coming down the trail. Aros is lifted to his feet by the summer islanders, and helped to the carriage, stepping inside with a loud creak. The other servants pick up the chests, after packing away the bench and cover, and move behind the carriage. The horses ride off, and as you go up the trail, the carriage creaks and groans, but manages to reach the top without breaking. You ride in through the gate, and Aros' servants begin taking chests through the keep, as directed by Maester Borrell. Once Aros has been transported upstairs by his manservants, you and Carth see your horses stabled, before heading to the Solar. You step inside, and shudder, as Carth pours a small dish full of water, and washes his hands.

"How could a man get so big and still live...."

>>2859147
Mainly sweat stained, Dorne isn't humid, so Aros isn't sweating quite as much as he was in the hot castle in the Vale, or Kings Landing in the height of summer. The sweat is mainly from him being sick

>>2859162
You and Carth have been recovering from the meeting, when you hear a knock on the door, and Ser Nestar steps in. He looks pleased with himself, and as he bows, he begins speaking.

"My lady, I've remembered where I saw those girls before. About 5 years ago, the Second Sons were being used as bodyguards for a Pentoshi, at a peace meeting between Myr and Volantis. It took place in a huge tent, with slaves attending every need, and in the centre, a raised platform, where the Myrish and and Malaquo Maegyr, the triarch representing the Volantenes were discussing peace with our charge, who was there to be a neutral party. Malaquo Maegyr had brought all sorts of dancing girls and boys, but at the foot of his seat were two girls he called Sun and Moon, and they sang for us. Our employer complemented Maegyr on his fine taste in slaves, and Maegyr offered to send them to him for a short while, so he could show off. The Pentoshi agreed, and Maegyr said he'd send them by ship, once the peace had been accepted in Volantis. However, when the ship arrived, they said the girls had jumped over the side, and had been lost. Our master was furious, and it cost us our employment, since he stayed in his mansion and sulked for a month. The two twins, they look exactly like the girls, their voice is similar as well."

Carth looks surprised.
"I knew they were from Essos, but escaped slaves? How could they have done this? And are you certain? To escape from a ship, and get to Westeros would be very hard."

Ser Nestar nods his head emphatically.

"Yes. I'd never forget those voices, just needed some time to think about it."

Carth shrugs

"Well, if its true, they're in Westeros. Slavery's been illegal here since before Aegon, and Volantis is a long way away. And it might not even be the case. Still, we should ask them. And if its true, it might be prudent not to have them perform. Who knows who the banker might talk to, and bad news travels fast."

>Call the twins here and ask them?
>Make a decision now, without talking to the twins?

>>2859198
>Make a decision now, without talking to the twins?

Simply do nothing.

>>2859198
>Call the twins here and ask them?

>>2859198
>Make a decision now, without talking to the twins?

>>2859198
>Make a decision now, without talking to the twins?

>>2859203
>>2859207
>>2859214
>>2859218

>Do nothing, let the twins perform?
>Stop the twins from performing?
>Write in...

>>2859220
>Stop the twins from performing?
Something with them just does not add up

>>2859220
>Stop the twins from performing?

>>2859220
>Do nothing, let the twins perform

>>2859220
>Do nothing, let the twins perform?

>>2859220
>Stop the twins from performing?

>>2859220
>Stop the twins from performing?
Yeah, we don't need MORE enemies right now. We can still keep them, but it's too much

I don't trust the Wyl on this one. Sure he could be telling the truth but we know he's a bloodhound and if we send them off I feel like he'll make an effort to capture them himself and send them back to Essos for the bounty. This whole thing seems off.

>>2859261
We can keep them even if we don't let them perform for this guy.

>>2859220
>Do nothing, let the twins perform?

>>2859244
>>2859240
>>2859230
>>2859227
>>2859225
>>2859224

"We'll have to stop them from performing. If he's that fat, I doubt he has much in the way of self control. It takes one rumour before we have a Triarch of Volantis hating us, along with most of the Marches. We'll not show them to Nararo."

Carth shrugs, and notes something down.
"Olivar will be intolerable, but I can mitigate that somewhat. Ser Nestar, please go and tell him to prepare something for the opening of the meal. And scare him if he looks too smug, please."

Ser Nestar nods, and steps outside. Carth clutches his head.

"Thats all we need. We'll ask them afterwards, find out if it's true, and decide what to do then. Seven, why!"

--------------
Later that evening, You and Carth walk down to the great hall. It has been decorated with long, flowing banners of silk, your sigil painted onto them, and small bundles of mountain flowers. Olivar is sitting on a stool over to one side, tuning his lute. He has a large smug smile on his face, as he tests his strings. Ser Nestar leans in, and whispers to you.
"The minstrel was over the moon, assured me he'd play as though he were in King's Landing. The girls are in the north tower, a little confused, but they're okay."

Nodding, you step up towards the high table, sitting down with Carth, the bench you saw earlier set behind the table as well, a little way down the table. No other places are set, though Ser Ascar is standing behind the table, his shield resting on the floor in-front of him. Ser Nestar walks up next to him, resting his greatsword in its new leather sheath on the floor, his tabard displayed clearly. As Olivar begins playing "Darry's Ten", Nararo Aros appears from the main door, changed into bright purple silken clothes, and his fingers are now bedecked in golden rings. He is supported again by two summer island men, who walk him slowly down, as he cocks an ear, his face contemplative. As he takes his seat, he smiles, and runs his tongue over his lips as he stares at Ser Ascar and Ser Nestar.

"Your guards are most impressive, Lady Lissara, I was in no state to appreciate them when I arrived, but now I see them in their regalia, they quite capture the imagination..."

His breath reeks of spices, and you can smell a slight hint of urine undercutting it. He rubs his hands together, and turns to face forward, as the first course is brought out.

>>2859333
Two platters of small eggs, stuffed with a mix of spices and herbs, are placed before the three of you. You and Carth take a few, and watch in surprise as Nararo delicately picks one up, and bites the egg in half, slowly chewing, his eyes closed in anticipation. He finishes, and swallows, before eating the rest of the first egg, a toad-like smile spreading across his face. He procededs to slowly eat the entire platter, carefully biting each one in turn, only interrupted when he raises his goblet. A server hurries over to him, and he turns to them.

"I desire something sweet. A wine to cool these spices. Hurry!"
The servant steps over to a small line of servants, all holding jugs. One steps forward, and fills Nararo's goblet, and as he sips, his smile gets wider, something you thought impossible.

"Pentoshi Amber, I believe? Set down 40 years ago?"

You nod, confirming the information Master Hotas had told you. Nararo nods, and gulps down the rest of the goblet, pointing to it and waits as it is refilled.

"Either you know your wines, or you have someone who does. I congratulate you. Your singer is somewhat lacking, his lute playing is tune not the harmony, but he is passable..."

You see Olivar frown, but keep playing. Nararo finishes the last but one egg, and then waves the platter away. As it is cleared, Nararo turns to you.

My lady, what do you want the Bank of Bays provide you? We have deep pockets, and we can provide many variants of financial loans..."

>What is your main focus
>Rebuilding Vulture's roost (Expensive, repairing the ruin would take 30 defence, or 18,000 dragons)
>Refitting your military? (3000 dragons)
>Building up your town (2000 dragons for a Marketplace, 3000 for a sept, etc.)
>Expanding your town (10 Lands, or 6000 Dragons)

File: Wealth.png (135 KB, 328x1408)

135 KB PNG

>>2859387
Wealth assets you could purchase

Anything that needs another resource (Vultures Roost etc) will take 3x the resource cost in wealth if you get it as a loan.

File: Wealth Extended.png (365 KB, 664x3044)

365 KB PNG

>>2859393
More Wealth assets

>>2859387
>Building up your town
Got to look good to make good money.

>>2859387
>Building up your town

>>2859387
>Building up your town

>>2859387
>Building up your town (2000 dragons for a Marketplace, 3000 for a sept, etc.)
Marketplace, Sept, Salt Works

>>2859387
>Building up your town (2000 dragons for a Marketplace, 3000 for a sept, etc.)

Marketplace and a Brothel for the port.

I'd like to suggest a Magistrate as well, we could use the bonuses to law, someone to help deal with the lawlessness of our stretch of road and the port and town once they begin to see more business.

>>2859387
>Building up your town

>>2859399
>Marketplace, Magistrate, Sept

>>2859467
>>2859465
>>2859445
>>2859426
>>2859408
>>2859399


"Well Master Aros, we were interested in expanding the towns facilities, attempting to bring trade back, after the decline the town suffered in the Rebellion against the Mad King."

"Oh? Well, that sort of money is easy to come by, but there is a, ahem, a slight issue. The Bank of Bays is eager to extract profit from this loan, as my colleagues in Sunspear no doubt explained to you, your House is somewhat precarious. A small loan would carry a high interest rate, since without it, we'd find ourselves struggling to make a profit. But, enough business, I see the next course of this delectable meal arriving!"

Indeed, a platter of sliced lamb, rubbed with dragon peppers and thyme, and served in Pine nut and Garlic sauce has come in, along with several dozen loaves of fresh bread. Nararo moves several large pieces onto his plate, and begins pulling them apart with his fingers, dipping the bread in the sauce, placing pieces of the meat on the bread, and eating both at once. Unlike before, he eats quicker, chewing loudly, as you and Carth use your knives to cut your meat. Olivar begins to play again, "When Willum's Wife Was Wet" and you see a slight frown appear on Aros' brow. He winces slightly at something, but doesn't stop eating.

>Inquire what the problem is?
>Ignore it, and wait till he has finished eating.

>>2859546
>Inquire what the problem is?

>>2859546
>Inquire what the problem is?

>>2859546
>>Inquire what the problem is?

>>2859546
>>Inquire what the problem is?

>>2859551
>>2859558
>>2859570
>>2859571

"Master Aros? Is something wrong? You look distressed."

"Oh, its simply your singer. His lute playing is acceptable, but his voice is somewhat... thin. Reedy. Like a boy who has yet to fully become a man. It's not your fault of course, but we of Pentos love our singing, and to hear a talented amateur treating themselves as some form of maestro is... concerning. Boy, we won't need your singing any more, your music will suffice. I despise having silence at the dinner table..."

Olivar looks shocked, before his face becomes set in a determined look. He continues playing and singing, and Nararo frowns, and looks at you.

>Order Olivar to stop, and just play?
>Order Olivar to stop, and leave for insulting the guest?
>Do not order Olivar to stop
>Order Olivar to stop, and send for the twins, to replace Olivar.
>Write in...

>>2859622
>Order Olivar to stop, and send for the twins, to replace Olivar.

>>2859622
>Order Olivar to stop, and just play?

>>2859622>Order Olivar to stop, and send for the twins, to replace Olivar.

>>2859622
>Order Olivar to stop, and just play?

>>2859622
>Order Olivar to stop, and send for the twins, to replace Olivar.

>>2859632
>>2859641
As much as I hate it, we have to send him out, he's being a fucking cunt.

>>2859622
>>Order Olivar to stop, and send for the twins, to replace Olivar.

>>2859622
>>Order Olivar to stop, and just play?

>>2859642
>>2859641
>>2859632
>>2859631
>>2859636
>>2859654
>>2859655


>Order Olivar to stop, and send for the twins, to replace Olivar.

>>2859662
"Master Olivar. I would have thought that a minstrel of your experience would know, when a guest asks you to stop, you stop. Please leave."

Olivar stands, and appears to take a deep breath, and is opening his mouth when Ser Nestar growls. Olivar turns pale, and bows, before hurrying out. Aros laughs quietly, and gives an approving nod to you.

"I do like your bodyguard, Lady Lissara. Something of the east about him I think, and he knows how to teach others their place. In Pentos, a bard who acted that way, why, he'd be in debt to me and working off his labour! It is unfortunate that we do not have any music, but my digestion will have to bear it..."

You glance at Carth, who nods, before whispering to a servant, who then hurries out of the room. Nararo looks after them, before resuming to eat. He swallows a particularly loud mouthful, and belches softly, before turning to look at you again.

"Since we have no music, I'll elaborate on my earlier point. With a loan to build a few buildings, we'd need a high interest rate, one which would be a weight around your neck for quite some time. If we did not, we would have no way to be certain of regaining our investment. The other option would be more direct. We would provide the funds, but extract the benefit, in totality, until the agreed sum had been reached."

Carth leans forward, and taps a finger on the table.
"So, you are saying, either we allow you to take all our profit for a short time, or you'll bleed us dry over a long time? That sounds fairly rough. Why would a larger loan be better for us, if you are so uncertain of lending us money?"

"Well, a larger loan could be stretched out, you would use the money as we provided it, and repay it before the next installment. Once all the money had been paid, it would only be a small matter of paying off the interest that had accrued."

"And what sort of amounts are we talking about? You seem to have very clear ideas, Master Aros." Carth responds.

"Oh, nothing extortionate. For a small loan, let us say of 5,000 dragons, we would charge an interest of 3.5%, with you repaying us either 400 or 200 dragons a month. At 200 dragons, it would be 5 years before you paid us off. At 400 dragons, it would only be a year and a half. At a larger loan, enough to build another of these halls and more, say 25,000 dragons, we would offer only a 1% interest rate on the 5000, with repayment stretched out over the period you need it. It would be eleven years, but once you had paid the interest, we would provide the money on a monthly basis, to continue whatever you need it for..."

>Ask more questions?
>Try to haggle him down?
>Sic Carth on him to haggle him down?
>Leave it for now, wait till dinner is done

>>2859770
>Sic Carth on him to haggle him down?
Numbers are for hubby

>>2859770
>>Sic Carth on him to haggle him down?

>>2859770
>Sic Carth on him to haggle him down

Rolled 6, 3, 4, 3, 3, 6 = 25 (6d6)

>>2859779
>>2859789
>>2859793

You touch Carth on the arm, and lean back. Carth lifts up a small piece of paper, and hands it to Aros. As Aros looks at it, Carth begins to speak, while you sip your wine.

"Master Nararos, I know the free cities like to think they have the monopoly on high finance, but they do not. Your offer is most unreasonable. What is in your hand are estimates I could get from money lenders in Braavos, Volantis and Lys. As you can see, they are more than happy to extend near unlimited credit, albeit at 1.5%. Of course, they might be thieves and liars, and be hiding things from me, but your offer is still a miserly one compared. How about we settle on a loan of 5000 dragons, at 2%, rounded in your favour, paid back over 3 years, at 200 a month. However, if we are able to, we can pay it back early, with a 400 dragon closing payment. And we won't speak of you running our marketplace, once it is built, hmm?"

Nararo looks at the scrap, and then at Carth. He frowns, before steepling his fingers, and staring at Carth intently.

>>2859828
19 vs TN 15

"I will have to think on this, my Lord. Such things are not to be considered in the middle of dinner."

"Of course, Master Aros, and I would stop you if you did, for our next course, and replacement entertainment has arrived."

Walking through the main door from the kitchen, are three servants, with three bowls of cream, poured over orange segments, coated in honey. Nararos Aros beams, and picks up his spoon, before putting it down, as the twin girls walk through the door. They are singing a lilting song, with no words, and move around the hall slowly. Aros blinks a few times, and slowly begins eating, his eyes never leaving the two girls. When he finishes, he continues watching for a while, before turning to you, and bowing his head.

"I do not know why you lead with that fool bard, when these nightingales were in your castle. Volantene trained singers, freed and brought here? The cost must have been exceptional, or the raiders exemplars of courage and fortitude. Such sincerity and intensity is what the Bank of Bays desires in it's clientele, and so, I will write a draft for 6,000 dragons, with only the first 5000 dragons at an interest of 2%, to be paid back over 3 years. And if you ever decide to embark on a large project, please, consider us, and I will assure the deal is fair and balanced. Being competitive with the Iron Bank requires you to treat your customers better than those Braavosi coin-clippers. Please, if you ever visit Pentos, the Bank of Bays will be delighted to extend a line of credit, and to ensure your stay is comfortable and luxurious."

"Well, Master Aros, we made no plans. But I believe this deal is acceptable?"

>A Loan of 30 wealth, paid back over 3 years at 1 wealth a month.

>Yes
>No (What do you want instead (more money/less repayment etc.)

>>2859870
>Yes

Seems fair enough

>>2859870
>Yes
Very good, this will help a lot

>>2859870
>Yes
Carth is getting a special night in bed after this.

>>2859870
>>Yes

Aros is such a great character.

>>2859870
Seems alright but can we have a grace period before payments have to start?

>>2859878
>>2859884
>>2859890
>>2859894
>>2859896

"I would be delighted to accept your generous offer, Master Aros. When can we expect the first shipment of money?"

"It will take me a few days to draft the full bill for you. Once it is signed, I will message the branch in Sunspear, who will transfer the money here, under guard. You can begin planning spending it now, and it will be with you in a week or two. Now, will you excuse me, I want to enjoy this gorgeous sound..."

Naroro closes his eyes, and his pudgy hands move slowly, in time to the music. He seems enraptured, and Carth takes you by the hand and leads you down away from the high table.

"I'm just glad he didn't examine those sigils from the other banks too closely. I spilled ink on the one from "Volantis", and had to redraw it the day before he arrived."

You raise your eyebrows, and laugh, resting your head on Carth's shoulder as the two of you head up to your chambers. As you open the door, Carth gathers you up in his arms, kisses you passionately, and carries you to the bed, kicking off his shoes as he does so. You entwine your fingers into his hair, as he loosens the ties on your dress, and pulls it off...

>Thats all for tonight. Short session tomorrow, mainly handling book-keeping, updating char sheets. see you all then. I'll be on at 2200, UTC

>>2860007
Aw yeah, I just haggled the shit outta that deal! I'm gunna fuck you so hard now

>>2860007
What is Carth's vice?

>>2860057
Bet it is cruel

So what are the odds we have gotten pregnant again ?

>>2860060
It's not actually. Its Scheming. Hence why he just forged the emblems of major banks to maybe help get a better deal without telling you.

>>2860064
We're already pregnant. We just havent realised it yet.

>>2860065
Fuck I can totally see that now.


Most People likely even expect Carth to be a milquetoast lord ala Tytos Lannister, until he pulls the rug out from under them.

>>2860077
His virtue is humble. Its just with Olivar he got really pissed off, and Olivar annoying Aros and getting sent away probably just saved his life. Carth was planning on having Ser Nestar or Ser Darvin push Olivar down a ravine.

>>2860077
>He doesnt actually love us
>This was all a stormlander ploy to get control over our house
>Carth actually doesnt love us and is merely using us

That scheming bastard!

>>2860085
I can see it. I'd not even be upset about it.

>>2860087
Nah Carth is the brains we're the beauty. He had no real prospects for getting to rule until dad got raised so odds are he does love us, this is just gravy for him.

Basically dude married for love a HDW nympho who had no real prospects and she magically gets raised to head of a house. Dude has mad luck stat.

>>2860105
I really don't like this characterization, we're entirely capable of managing the land without Carth, he just makes it easier.

>>2860105
No exactly, you were married about 1 month after your father was made a lord. Though Carth not having a chance to rule is correct, his older brother is serving as a knight at Storms End, and is good friends with Renly and Robert

>>2860132
I knew it! It was a ploy the entire time!

>>2860140
Keep in mind he has Love as his thing too. Dude does love us.

>>2860007
Thank you fir running.

>>2860085
>Carth was planning on having Ser Nestar or Ser Darvin push Olivar down a ravine.
That’s not actually a horrible idea...

A travelling minstrel who hates us due to a poor performance will surely jeprodize our reputation in the eyes of other lords and ladies.

Just finished catching up HDW: The Quest. Love it. I have not read a good asoiaf quest since dad left.

Carth
>nerdy but not awkward
>sneaky
>master bowman
>puts up with our insane sex drive and great in bed
>makes us money
>big dick energy
Perfect husband. Which makes me think what the other choice of husbands would have been like.

>>2861657
Reach knight was good at commanding, and very valourous, though wasn't as loving as Carth. Spends alot more time traveling to tournaments off his tourney winnings, and his family also was going to try to persuade him to have you assassinated, while he was refusing. He also would have given 0 shits about you sleeping around.

Dornish boy was a very skilled fighter, with berserk. He also would have not taken shit from anyone, and was Dornish, so would have come with a paramour, who'd have spent her whole time making friends with you, and keeping you company. Free handmaiden, functionally. Also, had a bastard.

>>2861657
>big dick energy
what did you mean by this?

>>2861862
Another way to say he's brave.
And has a big dick

>>2861896
No, he doesn't. Carth is a little above average and that's it. He is just very earnest in pleasing us.

>>2861805
Okay but which one of them has the bigger dick?

>>2861900
How come you're against Carth having at least an 9 incher?

>>2861920
Cuz he's a nerdy guy, it don't make much sense. We got him to dom him. Besides, it's already agreed upon and QM confirmed it so.

>>2861923
I have made no comment on the size of Carths dick.

>>2861926
hue

>>2861923
>nerds can't have big dicks
Then you haven't been seeing a lot of hs dramas and adult books.

Right, I'm very tired, and I need to be up early tommorow, so I'm going to handle some decisions about how you want to spend your money, and how much of a bank you'll leave, in case of bad House Fortune rolls, and then call it a night for me.

Current House Stats (After loan arrives
Defence: 30 (30 Spent
Influence: 38 (35 spent)
Lands: 45 (45 spent)
Law: 21
Population: 21
Power: 46 (45 spent)
Wealth: 60 (25 spent)

Wealth spending is coming up, anything in expanded wealth you can ask me about what they do if it isn't written in (Like Brothels etc.)

>>2861983
Forgot about dupe posting, just look at the ones further up the thread

>>2861983
Sept (15 Wealth)
Marketplace (10 Wealth)
Saltworks (10 Wealth)

>>2861999
If you spend all your wealth, you will be unable to make a payment if you get a negative house fortune roll.

>>2862005
What is likelihood of making negative house fortune roll?

>>2861983
Court
Salt works
Brothel
Market
Total : 30 wealth

>>2861983
Sept (15 Wealth)
Marketplace (10 Wealth)

>>2861983
Sept (15 Wealth)
Marketplace (10 Wealth)
Magistrate (5 Wealth)

>>2862021
5d6k4+7
So your range is 11-31. Of those, 5 results are negative. So 1/4

>>2862019
Voting for this. Bring back trade and clean our image somewhat.

>>2862010
Supporting

>>2862021
Don’t we have those discounts to the market and non market?

Market
Sept
Magistrate

>>2862030
Also, Magistrate since we need that too.