Your current plans for conquest and justice are all dependent on letters. Letters from informants within the enemy camp and letters from your allies, or so you hope, of the West. Until then, you think it best you get to know your newer men. There are men sworn to bleed and die for you that you’ve not shared a drink with. It’s passing odd. They’re not proper Company men, but all the same…

But first, you’d share drinks with those who’ve earned them. Malaq, your reliably dishonest Volantine fleetmaster, proposed drinking a round or two to celebrate your coming heir and you’re not about to turn him down. Vaeron was keen on joining you as well.

“So she ask me, ‘Malaq’ where do you get such tatoos?’ My slave tatoos. I tell her I am great merchant prince. Very rich. And each is mark of victory. Wetter than sea I tell you,” he boasts over another round.

“And when she finds out you’re a lying shit?” Vaeron says.

“She knows, my friend. Just a bit of fun. One of Courtesan’s crew. She likes my tongue lying or not mark me,” he grins.

“Aye? What’re they up to?” you ask.

“Busy prying stick from ass most of them. Misliking captain missing and sneaks quiet. No word still?” he asks.

“None,” you frown. “Not since the first message of quiet. That was last moon now.”

His earlier bravado falls away, replaced by a grim half-smile. “Malaq smells a traitor, captain.”

“Others might say the same of you. You’re the shiftiest looking on my council,” you point out.

“Aye, captain. They look to loyal Malaq and see dashing face and mistrust. This is why there is traitor. Too many distractions. Rowers go into town cause trouble as rowers always do. Courtesan’s girls geld a man over wandering hands. Your Ser Duncan. He chase these shiny distractions around and what happen underneath it all? This they don’t know. Pointy spears look for soft targets,” Malaq shakes his head. “You know what Malaq thinks? I tell you this: trust dishonest men. Why? They want best for them. Easy to settle up with. It is honest men you do not know. They get ideas. ‘This is right. This is just,’ they tell selves. And so do evil things thinking it for best.”

“Say you’re right, why not? Then who is working against me?” you ask him. He’s left the obvious unsaid, which you’d expect with his queer sense of honor, but you know him well enough to catch the meaning: he is a dishonest, but his success is very much tied to your own. There’s not a lord out there that would raise him as high as you have. As much as you gamble with him, you know his tells well enough to see he’s not trying to be cagey about this.

>>4203480
“Who can say?” he sighs dramatically. “Might be this Courtesan’s girl pumps me for secrets as I pump her. Might be your honorable knight gets too many ideas. Might be he is right of it and town is too wild. Too easy to slip in and out. Poisoner did, yes? Malaq could find them… if he had coin to make net to catch fish.”

“Well Cleo’s crew should be leaving for King’s Landing soon and it seems passing stupid to sell out their own sneaks… still, you’ve a point. Too many unknowns. I’ve no coin to spend on such at present, but I’ll keep it in mind, my friend,” you tell him.

>He is suggesting the Secret Police holding. Costs 3 Power and 5 Wealth at present. Cost goes up by 5 Wealth with each increase in the size of your largest community. Forces your enemies to roll against a DC 6 points higher when attempting to infiltrate for lands with spies/saboteurs/assassins.

“What’s new with you? Fix anything with your wife?” you turn to Vaeron.

“In a manner of speaking… not truly. She treats me like some sort of… coworker now. This woman can hold a grudge,” he says uneasily.

“You can still fuck your coworkers,” Malaq tries to reassure him.

“Point. Still, have you thought of… apologizing? Making some sort of grand gesture? Seven I’ve been married for days, why am I explaining this to you?” you shake your head.

“Like what?” he seems exasperated, lost.

“Dunno mate. I bedded one of her friends for a time, remember?” you recall.

“I do… but Jan said that was one of her enemies…” he frowns in thought.

“Yeah? Any road, she wasn’t easy---”

“You’ve a type you know,” he cuts in.

“So you know what I did? I named a great river after her,” you tell him.

“When did we discover a river?” he’s lost.

“Dunno if we ‘discovered’ it… just sort of ended up on it once. I didn’t know its name, so I named it. The Saryeni River. Even had a mapmaker scrawl it on there for her. What was that phrase, Malaq?” you ask.

“Wetter than sea, captain,” he supplies.

“Aye, that. Or the river in this case, but you get my point, yeah? Do something… grand,” you wave your hand absentmindedly. “You at least owe her for wrangling a betrothal out of me. Quite the matchmaker she is. First, she gets me wed, then she gets me to promise one of yours weds one of mine.”

“She didn’t tell me,” he seems surprised but happy for it all the same. “Who?”

“Dunno yet. Depends on how things go. You might do us all a favor and make another option for me to consider so my son doesn’t end up wedding his wet nurse or something to that effect,” you point an empty bottle at him as the banter continues into the night.

>>4203485
You head down to the fields beneath your castle walls the next day to pass the time and learn more of Ser Byron Yew. Warrick Flint happens to be with him as well as they survey the crossbowmen.

“The lot’ve em need a good deal of work yet. I’ve been too busy seeing to the arms and armor of the rest of our good ser’s host,” he nods to you.

“Sounds like someone might’ve lost a wager, eh?” you rib him.

“Pure bloody luck is all it was,” he grumbles beneath his bushy mustache.

“How’re you finding the island so far?” you ask your master of arms since Ser Byron is still distracted watching his new men.

“Fair enough weather, ser. Rainy, aye, but can’t much complain what with it not beings streaked with ice and all. Food’s fine enough but not near as rich as milord Manderly’s table if ser don’t mind me saying so. Half the work’s done for me with your sellswords so well sorted, so all and all I’d call meself contented,” he shrugs.

“Hmm, I doubt much of anyone throws a feast like Lord Manderly, but I did just set aside coin for my lady wife to freshen things up a bit,” you say.

“Oh that’s fine news then. With a babe in her belly she’ll be wanting to see to the kitchens straight away. Best keep meself clear eh?” he laughs. “Well Marq’s done a might fine job with the armor even with all the distractions, but the weapons we keep round here are only just passable.”

“You might be right. Still would be a big expense, no? Either we’re stuck dropping heavy coin on quality castle forged blades from elsewhere or I recruit a weaponsmith. There’s only so much iron pulled up from my mines. You’d think two masters of their craft’d be like to fight over it,” you point out.

He grunts, which you think is mostly conceding your point. “True those types don’t like sharing metal. Not that there’s much sharing to do what with no smelter up and running. They’ve had to separate it all the long way. Slow going. Might be you’d range for Marq to marry this woman he’s taken up with to keep em nice and happy.”

>>4203488
“First I’ve heard of it,” you say. Your armorsmith must be more charming than you would’ve expected for a man with more hair hanging off his cheeks than the top of his head.

“Smitten with her to hear tell of it,” he chuckles. “Too pretty for him if you ask me. Man in that sort of work should have a stout woman with good hips. My wife’s no delicate thing herself, but she’s given me some strong boys. Thinking they’ll settle in with me when all this Dragonstone mess is sorted. Scuse me, ser,” he growls the last as he moves to intercept a couple crossbowmen slacking off near a bale of hay.

You call over Ser Byron while you have a moment. “So, what do you think?”

The quiet archer takes a few moments before answering you. “They clearly have at least some basic experience in marksmanship. My concern lies with their discipline. They are of levy stock?”

He speaks with enough polite courtesy to turn statement to question. Or maybe it was a question. “Something to that effect. Not sure if they were even levied by official command. Mostly farmfolk who resisted the raiders that came to these shores. Odds are I would’ve had to fight for my own castle if they hadn’t.”

“I will do my best all the same, ser,” he nods and looks back to the fields. As the silence passes, you’re becoming increasingly certain he is not for any small talk. You’re unsure of whether that’s because of you alone or more of a general characteristic. Either way, he doesn’t seem to bear you any blatant ill will and if there is a scheme at work here as Malaq seems to believe then Ser Byron and Ser Edger are actually the only two completely above suspicion. They simply haven’t been around long enough.

>Leave off it. He’ll warm up in time if he wants to.
>Press him a bit. Why so unsocial?
>Something else.

>>4203495
>Leave off it. He’ll warm up in time if he wants to.

>>4203495
>Press him a bit. Why so unsocial?
Ask him about the founder of his house. Tell him about the eye and why we never took to archery because of it. Gives us personal stock in his story.

>>4203495
>>Leave off it. He’ll warm up in time if he wants to.

>>4203495
>>Press him a bit. Why so unsocial?

>>4203495
>Leave off it. He’ll warm up in time if he wants to.

>Press him a bit. Why so unsocial?

>>4203495
>>Press him a bit. Why so unsocial?
>>4203564
Supporting this add-on

>>4203661
>>4203564
I'll change so it's more certainly leading one way.
I like the option anyhow. Gives us more of a chance to see where he lies. Getting personal.

Alright, let's roll for it.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 7d6 for Charm? DC 21

Guy I also wanted to check with you all. We have a library, no one really uses other than I guess lil Janessa. Why not ask Janessa to assign her a task like looking up books on house Ramnton and House sunglass. We might get a better idea of strategy

Rolled 6, 3, 4, 4, 3, 5, 1 = 26 (7d6)

>>4203686
lets see how this goes...

Rolled 1, 3, 3, 3, 1, 3, 5 = 19 (7d6)

>>4203686

Rolled 2, 5, 1, 1, 1, 3, 6 = 19 (7d6)

>>4203686
>>4203691
So close..

Rolled 3, 2, 5, 3, 4, 6, 6 = 29 (7d6)

>>4203686

>>4203691
>>4203692
>>4203695
Writing!

>>4203696
Fuuuuuu
27 solidly 2 degrees would have been nice.
I hope we get to charm Duncan. And get atleast 2 degrees. Go on about how we grew up here and expect to do the best we can for OUR people.

>>4203700
Special Detachment*: +5 Wealth; 1d6 months.
Secret police can be useful not just for keeping track of what is going on in your own domain, but may be used to infiltrate others as well.
New Rule: Your House gains access to the Secret Police Infiltration House Action.
>Deploying your secret police to another house’s territory requires a House Action and doing so secretly requires a Formidable (12) Cunning test. Failure means your efforts were discovered, which will probably result in embarrassment and loss of 1d6+3 Influence.

I imagine we would be using Cerelle to handle these things?

>>4203737
She could do that, yeah. It fits her scheming personality better than Aurion's more carefree style anyway.

“So, what’s your story?” you ask. He turns with quirked brow. “You spoke of a blind archer founding your house. Now that’s a story. What else then? Why come here so quickly?”

“Alan o’ the Oak, he was called. Legend does have that he was blind. We are an old house, founded before the Andals came,” he says.

“Huh. Hundreds of years ago, eh?” you ask.

“Thousands,” he says with a slight smile. “As for my reasons… those are a touch more personal, ser.”

“Personal, eh? Alright. Let’s make it a game then. A question for a question. Not every day one could ask me so freely,” you say. Probably at least half a lie, but it sounds true enough.

He thinks on it for a time before giving a slight nod. “Very well, ser.”

“Your family first. Where do you stand there?” you ask.

“I am a second son. My father yet lives and my brother Manfryd is capable enough to succeed him,” he answers.

“A second son striking out on his own. Fair enough. What’s your question?” you prompt.

He hesitates a moment as if uncertain to ask. “The Lady Cerelle… how exactly did that happen?”

“Hah, right to it then? I’m sure you heard at least the half of it already. Most the tale is true from what I know of it. We met upon Dragonstone and I stole her away at her own urging. One thing led to another as you might expect and we both pushed to wed. Took all my favors, but here we are,” you tell him.

“I must admit, the scale of it is amusing,” he gives a slight smile. “There are knights of low standing who seek to wed lord’s daughters by winning tourneys. You do it with promises to win a war… although there are undoubtedly some that would see you dead for the gall of it.”

“I’ve heard that too. You wouldn’t happen to be one of them, would you?” you half jest.

“I believe that counts as a question, ser. No, I have no ties to House Lydden or its fair daughter. Quite the opposite, I so readily accepted because of the lack of ties,” he says seriously. “I am somewhat intrigued by your Free Company. What of all the lightning bolts?”

“Campaign markers. One for every success. It marks out the most veteran of us. Funny thing is, it started off as kill counters years and years ago, but that caused all sorts of trouble over fighting over kills and not giving quarter, so it was simplified,” you explain. “I’ve my fair share as well. You want one of your own, you’ll have to be inducted.”

>>4203941
“I will think on it, ser,” he says to your surprise.

“Then one last one from me. Why leave your house at all?” you ask.

“… that does not have an easy or pleasant answer. I suppose you could almost call this repentance through exile. I had heard tell that yours was a pious house if a little rough around the edges… things have happened during this war that I would rather not speak of. I did not partake, but I stood by. The Faith teaches us that a sin of omittance is worse because of its ease. It took such a path and have vowed not to do so again,” he says quietly. “If that will be all, ser? Thank you for the conversation.”

He begs his leave to return to his men, leaving you to ponder his words. The Sack? You don’t ask it, but it’s fairly obvious. It’s clear he doesn’t want to say what precisely happened, but his reasons seem genuine enough. Hopefully he gets over it and learns to live a little.

A few days go by before you find yourself with time to pull someone new aside, but you’re contented with waiting. There is something awfully relaxing about all of this idle socializing about your grounds. Course, someone is probably trying to kill you or see your works undone, but what’s new about that? A man can get used to such things.

Until now, you hadn’t really taken the time to smell the roses of your new rule, so to speak. There aren’t any actual roses, nor other flowers for that matter. Might be worth planting some. How hard could it be? Seems you’re the only one so at peace though. Cerelle is keeping herself almost too busy going through all your ledgers, even the old ones. She’s even had Janesa drag out all the old company books and enlisted her daughter in combing through the library for historicals on your neighbors.

“Busy, busy, busy,” you tell her as you bother her during her work in the library.

“There is much to be done, Aurion. You know this,” she chides without looking up from the ledger.

“That’s my point. You’re a sight best enjoyed in the daylight. You would wait til night falls and risk offending the Maiden Elenei?” you try.

“If you would like to remedy this, then perhaps you should invest in an apiary, husband. The wax may be used for candles,” she parries almost lazily. Still, you can tell she’s at least giving it a moment’s thought… until her handmaidens take to whispering at a nearby table and ruin your good work as she looks up in annoyance towards them. “You are distracting the girls, Aurion. Why not take Ser Edger outside for some air before he dies of boredom?”

>>4203943
You look to the young knight. She has a point and you did want to speak with him more anyway, so you do just that. “Not much a reader yourself?” you ask him outside the library tower.

“I know the basics, ser, but I can’t say I have a passion for it,” he admits.

“I can sympathize. Not sure how Cerelle puts up with it all, really. There’s such a thing as overthinking. I’m nearly never wrong and I don’t bother with any of that,” you confide.

“There is something I was looking to speak with you on, ser… it concerns my cousin’s safety,” he starts.

“What’s happened?” you turn serious.

“Nothing of yet, ser,” he says, startled by the look you give him. “I only wish to express concern at how lightly she is guarded. I took a ride to the edge of town yesterday and was surprised at the state of things. So many of ill repute walking about so brazenly… and the garrison doing little to put them back in order.”

“If they jabbed a spear at every lawbreaker in these times, then I’d have no smallfolk left. Never fear, I’ll be seeing to matters on that front in good time,” you assure.

“It is still a concern at present… a small handful of good, loyal men would greatly bolster the situation within these walls. I cannot be at my lady’s side at all hours, not to mention that of the other ladies of good birth,” he says. Such as his sister. He does have a point…

Will you do anything to remedy the situation?

>Allow him to recruit a few locals and see to the training himself. They likely won’t be up for much of a fight and may end up doing more harm than good, but you’ll take a chance on it. Cost: nothing.
>Pull five men from the garrison. They are the ones whose loyalty may be most in question, but there must be at least a few who like you well enough after you fought with them. Cost: 1 glory.
>Pull five men from the First. They’ve followed you half a world over or more and you know some would die for you if you asked. Still would cut into their strength a bit from shifting men around, especially the ones you have in mind. Cost: First Regiment goes from Elite +1 to Elite. (~2 power equiv)
>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights. It will take time to vet them to make sure they’re as loyal as can be, but there is something appealing about forming your own miniature knightly order. Cost: 1 Destiny Point for the Cadre Benefit.
>Pass. He’ll have to make do.

More tomorrow. Thanks for playing!

Thoughts on spending a destiny point to form a knightly order, fellas?

>>4203947
>>4203966
I know this isn't what Ser Edger wants but can we convert some glory points into law? Is that allowed?

>>4203966
Can't say I'm a fan at this point

I don't like pulling men from the first either. I think the garrison route is the best bang for our buck

>>4203966
I like the idea. But I don't think it's wise we go into a battle with out a DP.
I prefer we weaken our first.
>Pull five men from the First. They’ve followed you half a world over or more and you know some would die for you if you asked. Still would cut into their strength a bit from shifting men around, especially the ones you have in mind. Cost: First Regiment goes from Elite +1 to Elite. (~2 power equiv)
If we really want to commit to this.
Boggs What happens with Duncan's chat?

>>4204005
The problem with that is, why would you put men you aren't sure they are loyal to you guarding your most precious assets(family)?
Can't say I love the idea, but fighting or Endurance would fall to 4. Which isn't the end of the world.

So the cadre. Would it be our destiny point or Cerelle?

>>4203972
Sure. You have 2 glory points at present and you can convert them into any resource.

>>4204011
>What happens with Duncan's chat?

Tomorrow. This felt like a good vote to end on.

>>4204026
Yours. You are the only one who meets the requirements for the benefit (Persuasion 5).

>>4203947
>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights. It will take time to vet them to make sure they’re as loyal as can be, but there is something appealing about forming your own miniature knightly order. Cost: 1 Destiny Point for the Cadre Benefit.

>Requires persuasion 5
Then I'll bite. There's something fitting about giving up a destiny point to protect family. The most IC I think a meta vote can be.

>>4203947
>>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights. It will take time to vet them to make sure they’re as loyal as can be, but there is something appealing about forming your own miniature knightly order. Cost: 1 Destiny Point for the Cadre Benefit.
The safety of our wife and future heirs is nothing to skimp on.

>>4204082
>>4204066
I get the logic behind it I guess.
But Think about it. Weaken the first regiment for a SHORT time. I don't see why we wouldn't be able to reintroduce those men back into service once we have better infrastructure. While yes The same could be said about Cadre.
We won't be able to use that DP if either a really lucky or unlucky chance comes upon us.
I wouldn't even mind possibly doing it in the future, but I do believe there are much better options like inspiring letting us reroll and take the better of the two rolls. As well as add another command. We could reroll a complicated command and reroll the test so me can get a strong initiative at the beginning of the battle..
or a DP if we burn it adds +5 to any roll. Who knows if we get a chance to capture the queen or a head of house or two of a large lordship. At dragon stone. And gathering knights and what not and vetting them will cut into the time we have to do other things. Like say getting some stock for the king of our rum for his gift. Or training for dragonstone or implementing the sunglass house attack.

Once we have money to can focus on getting things to protect our home.
And after this battle we should walk out of there with some Glory. We could spend the bulk of it on law. To tidy things up a bit.

>>4204126
This is too much rollplay on a destiny point for me to go with keeping it. Sorry, but I would rather give a little to the main character focus of family. I do like the glory for law take.

>>4203941
> I believe that counts as a question, ser.
not one to grovel or mince words, eh? I like this Yew person. Can we get someone to do some library-digging about his house and the First Men and tell us a bedtime story?

>>4203947
>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights. It will take time to vet them to make sure they’re as loyal as can be, but there is something appealing about forming your own miniature knightly order.
our very own huscarls! this turning out better than I'd hoped for. Is there an upkeep cost? do we have to buy horses now? can we add a (slightly heretic) religious flavor to it? can we consider inducting the Yew boy or does that make things awkward? I'd like us to have a counterweight (and possible replacement) for ser tin-pants.
as for my motives, I agree with >>4204082 and I have a couple other reasons as well
- we'd be punching way above our weight class, which is how house Shryke does things in general
- our military is good, so enemies of equivalent size will always look for the underhanded move
- a knightly order is already a legacy, something unique to pass on. A destiny point for that seems appropriate, especially given Aurion's family focus.

>>4203947
>>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights. It will take time to vet them to make sure they’re as loyal as can be, but there is something appealing about forming your own miniature knightly order. Cost: 1 Destiny Point for the Cadre Benefit.
they will prob end up as assassins, killing our entire family

>>4204035
What's the conversion rate just the +2?

>>4204035
This probably would be farther down the line if we get the academy could the Cadre become the teachers?

>>4204266
Our arms master would likely be holding shit down there. Since he is basically a drill master. And likely the current sub commanders we already have. Like Vaeron, Duncan, Byron, And I guess ship related shit Malaq.
While I really want it as well. We are extremely far from that. But I would say we should try and keep a spot open for it. Cadre are just good loyal soldiers. Being good at fighting doesn't mean you can teach. And vice versa
>>4204236
1 glory = 1 X
meaning 1 unit of glory is equal to 1 unit of any other resource.

>>4204276
Okay thank you the glory conversion is not worth it then

>>4203947
>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights

>>4203947
>>Pull five men from the First. They’ve followed you half a world over or more and you know some would die for you if you asked. Still would cut into their strength a bit from shifting men around, especially the ones you have in mind. Cost: First Regiment goes from Elite +1 to Elite. (~2 power equiv)
Id rather pick the first option. Of having edger take his pick of men and train them himself. Or take from the garrison.
But boggs chose to make this vote before we found out about Duncan. That could be telling in and of its self. Or just listening to the players cries for it.
Either way I don't want to spend the destiny point. Id at least wait to see if we have to deal with Ser Duncan over here.

>>4203947
>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights. It will take time to vet them to make sure they’re as loyal as can be, but there is something appealing about forming your own miniature knightly order. Cost: 1 Destiny Point for the Cadre Benefit.

>>4203947
>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights. It will take time to vet them to make sure they’re as loyal as can be, but there is something appealing about forming your own miniature knightly order. Cost: 1 Destiny Point for the Cadre Benefit.
Fuck it. Let's go

>>4203947
>Pull five men from the garrison. They are the ones whose loyalty may be most in question, but there must be at least a few who like you well enough after you fought with them. Cost: 1 glory.

>>4203947
>Pull five men from the First. They’ve followed you half a world over or more and you know some would die for you if you asked. Still would cut into their strength a bit from shifting men around, especially the ones you have in mind. Cost: First Regiment goes from Elite +1 to Elite. (~2 power equiv)

>>4203947
>Pull five men from the First. They’ve followed you half a world over or more and you know some would die for you if you asked. Still would cut into their strength a bit from shifting men around, especially the ones you have in mind. Cost: First Regiment goes from Elite +1 to Elite. (~2 power equiv)
Have you all forgotten the last time we had no destiny point to spare?

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47 KB JPG

>>4205066
I specifically dislike having this kind of plot armor, sorry, anon, consequences will never be the same

>>4205066
That is exactly what I am thinking. Spending a DP which is extremely hard to get is something.
In theory we can get it back by returning that quality back. Something about spending and then getting a refund.
But it we add 10 knights to our house I feel like it would be a dick move to not retain them, after going through the trouble of gaining them.
I likely wouldn't disband the cadre, till we had 4 more units and we could attach some of the men to them and keep most on retainer in some fashion.

Like I would rather we get another Garrison troop for domain 1, where all of our farming stuff are, along with our home.
>>4205087
I would rather we stick with the character then. How does it make sense to hire some new guys than hire ones you've have life and death battles with that you would trust your life with?

>>4204436
>>4204374
>>4204302
>>4204181
>>4204066
How can you justify that this is for our family? Or say they will be assassins or their safety? And not go with the option to weaken our offensive for the sole purpose of protecting our home and family. By pulling from the men we have the most trust in the world?

>>4205108
It's awesome having knights around
I like Aurion's swagger, having bomb-ass knights as guards fits with that

>>4205096
> How does it make sense to hire some new guys than hire ones you've have life and death battles with that you would trust your life with
Boggs didn't say WHERE we need to hire them from
we can start with a dude or two from the First, let Edger pick someone himself, etc etc

>>4205108
it's because if we weaken our offensive then the family will be in even greater danger

>>4205119
actually now that I think about it it can be a prestige thing for all our units - some unit distinguishes itself in battle and someone from the unit shows exceptional loyalty, they get to be a huscarl, and the unit gets to add a 'guards' pennant to their battle standard

>>4205121
>>4205119
So you're telling me if we pick cadre. We MAGICALLY will be picking from the first regiment and 2nd regiment. But they won't lose any power?
>Go for something a bit more prestigious and recruit a handful of knights. It will take time to vet them to make sure they’re as loyal as can be
It strictly implies we are looking for KNIGHTS. outside of our house

If we pull 5 men from our first it takes them from Elite+1 to elite.
Do you really believe it to be such a loss?
It would be a loss of either 1 endurance or 1 fighting die. Yes it is significant. But To weigh the semi permanent cost of of using a destiny point. doesn't weaken our offensive by much.
We are raiding house rambton. Where we have Cleo AND now the House Lydden as back up. If we thought we could take the house before, we certainly don't need as much of an offensive now.
We may just get them back up to elite +1 if we can do this before the wedding.

I don't mean to argue every single point. But I just can't follow that logic without thinking there are clear flaws to that that don't overcome the benefits.

>>4205136
> MAGICALLY will be picking from the first regiment and 2nd regiment. But they won't lose any power?
a regiment can survive the loss of any one person lol. if you leave them without half their staff, yes they're gonna suffer, but there's attrition anyway and we're going to be doing this over some time, so it won't matter as much
> we are looking for KNIGHTS
hm. can't we knight people? Vaeron is a defacto knight, if you have a chivalric order it's kinda stupid not to be able to make new knights, eh?
> Do you really believe it to be such a loss?
with serious fighting in the immediate future? fuck yes.
> the benefits
here's another thing. if we use the point to get out of a pickle, it's gone. in this way, it will benefit the next head of House Shryke, and the next, until there is no more House in fact. that's what I call an investment. and this is the kind of thinking that a family-oriented and legacy-conscious dude like Aurion is likely to have.

>>4205136
>people have different opinions than me
REEEEEEEEE

>>4205136
jesus christ I need to stop doing this but...
> we are raiding house rambton
and in doing so we are opening a sizeable can of worms, which will no doubt start crawling about
I'd rather have everyone at full strength AND the home front a bit more secure, not rob peter to pay paul

>>4205135
>prestige thing for all our units
Except based on these requirements it's only knights.
I just believe you're trying to solve a short term problem with a long term solution. That can be solved with money.

w
We are focusing on fixing the law problem. we already have Vet garrison units, on the look out for suspicious behavior. What we need to do is do well and spend all the glory on law. Go no a hunting expedition for bandits/thieves/and thugs. Once we are back and have time. Say after the wedding but before dragonstone and dealing with house sunglass.

>>4205145
Technically our whole first and 2nd company is filled to the brim with knights. since across the sea they don't give much of a fuck about it.
>>4205153
Pointing out my point of view to try and convince others = REEEEE
Thanks for your very intellectual input. Try not being being dropped more as a child as family tradition when it's your turn.
>>4205155
Which we added a whole other in raiding the place. should be plenty of man power. Should be ample. they are just a banner house
Thanks for the dialogue. I can at least appreciate the reasoning behind it.

>>4205166
>Try not being being dropped more as a child as family tradition when it's your turn.
>try be intellect
>only make syntax error

>>4205166
Whole other house* being dropped more*
One of the most powerful in houses military wise. And we are fighting a banner house of a small lordship that has 2 minor banner men under them.
Where most of their trade is traded/or tribute to their lord. And which he (head of the house) may not even be there if he was called to arms for defending dragonstone.
I just think the vote is premature. Since the whole vote to get a cadre or not was implemented because of Ser Duncans loyalty being called into question. While we still haven't figured out where he stands.

>>4205166
> What we need to do is do well and spend all the glory on law
and two more points of law are going to protect against assassins how, exactly?
> should be plenty of man power
for the raid itself, as it is planned, sure. but we don't know what comes after. we don't even know for sure that we won't find ALL our enemies arrayed there, waiting to shrek us.
> dialogue
it's half the fun for me, you're welcome

>>4205198
Meh playing video games. Rounds start while I type, meh it happens. Also annoyed
>>4205208
I guess I wasn't clear. I meant it as spend it to get it to 20, which is the next tier. Along side the garrison. Should be ample. Especially since they a decent awareness.
And Id say add the secret police when we can.

>>4205205
> we are fighting a banner house of a small lordship that has 2 minor banner men under them.
as far as we know. for now. no telling what will happen irl.
> sir Duncan's loyalty
doesn't matter so much in the end. no guarantees that, if he betrayed, he was, is, or will ever be the ONLY traitor we have to deal with. so, we should hedge accordingly.
not to mention, if all goes well we'll show up at Bobby's wedding with a cadre of fresh knights-militant and all the stuffy old heads of other far more prestigious Houses which nevertheless do not have chivalric orders attached (such as our own dear father in law) will inevitably, ineluctably and hilariously throw assorted conniption fits

>>4205216
> I meant it as spend it to get it to 20, which is the next tier. Along side the garrison. Should be ample. Especially since they a decent awareness.
And Id say add the secret police when we can.
or we could do something cool and useful now. whichever seems more practical I guess

>>4205227
How would it not be more practical to pull the men from the first regiment NOW. like within the HOUR. Than to putt out a call, to gather knights at our home. Which should take at least 1 week to get here. Unless there have been some hidden knight's/fighting experts on our island the whole time?
If we are talking practical to pull men from our first regiment makes the most sense. And we will know about their loyalty is assured game rules or not. Since these are men we fought with for a decade. Haven't had their loyalties tied to their positions tied to our own as much to any other person around. If that makes sense

>>4205205
>blaming the QM over your opinion not winning out

Classy. I want the knights for bigger problems than duncan.

>>4205224
We have already proved our men are badass. As when we had our heavies confused for knights. Plenty of people can do that.
At this point we are just looking for name brand knights?
>>4205330
I am not blaming QM. It his game and I respect his decision. Just pointing it out. Is discussion something frowned upon in your house anon? You can have a reasonable conversation about your opinion about something with out being a manchild about it.
>I just think the vote is premature
I can only imagine that is what you're referring too?
The topic of spending a DP on a cadre came up because what the players said they wanted was something already existing in the game. QM mentioned it because we fully met the requirements to actually obtain it. It only makes sense for him to bring it up when players are discussing the option. Hell I sure as hell didn't know what cadre entailed.
Personal guard is just a unit of 20 members. Sometimes consists of just knights as well?
I can only imagine a cadre is a unit of as it says 10 men. Who stats represent a full unit of power, with out any negatives.
Not costing us power. Other than that it seems like a particularly weak. as far as I can tell.

This squad automatically reorganizes or rallies
at the start of each round until destroyed. Should this unit be wiped
out, you lose this quality and the Destiny Point you used to acquire it.
While you need not pay this squad, you must feed and provide for the
soldiers in it.
Not sure if this is what is suppose to make them over powered?

>>4205330
I really just see DP as things that help us attain things/traits not regularly attainable.
Thats really my big issue.
Personal guards are very much attainable. And a cadre is a smaller personal guard is all. Seems to me a bad investment of a DP. But seems like it's gona win unless more regulars join in and vote my way.
My internet is finally less buggy. SO i can enjoy titan fall 2 more so that is nice.
I'll catch you all once boggs runs.

>>4205367
Maybe we can turn them into a larger unit later for a discount or other benefit?

>>4205381
nah for that I would see it as a change from cadre to person guards.
We would get our DP back and we would just have to pay full price for a personal guard. but that would just be my guess.

>>4205145
>in this way, it will benefit the next head of House Shryke, and the next, until there is no more House in fact. that's what I call an investment. and this is the kind of thinking that a family-oriented and legacy-conscious dude like Aurion is likely to have.

This is the intent, yeah. A knightly order, even a small one, is something more prestigious and meant to stand the test of time as opposed to the typical bodies of men, most of which should absolutely not be maintained in true peace times. I know I harp on this on occasion, but it bears reminding that this is a feudal society. This entire continent has five cities on it. Most of the land is rural with a spattering of small towns here and there. This is in no way conducive to every little fiefdom keeping the sort of standing armies you see in this era and the book era on a more permanent basis. It's going to take something like the work of five farmers to feed one soldier and the smallfolk population just isn't vast enough to support such long term arms races all over the place. That's part of why half the Seven Kingdoms is butting up against a famine as the War of Five Kings progresses. The only reason the average landed lord with any sense would maintain a standing army of more than one or two units would be if they were expecting to get hit or stir up some shit. The overwhelming bulk of armies should constitute temporary levies led by a smaller number of knights. You get around this a little bit with this house only because two of your units right now are actually supposed to be professional standing soldiers, but they do still need to eat too. The flip side of this food mechanic we are working with in the quest is the simple truism of the genre: Winter is Coming. Seasons are notoriously unpredictable and farms along with some other holdings don't work during the winter. Food for thought.

File: Stormgrave.png (1.61 MB, 1374x796)

1.61 MB PNG

You nod along for a time, looking over the battlements to the grassy fields of your island. “Five knights. Would that be enough?”

Ser Edger seems surprised you’re taking this so seriously. He didn’t see the manticore. “It should be sufficient, ser. From where will you find these knights?”

A good question… “Let me worry about that. You said you rode to the edge of town?” you ask.

“I did, ser. Just yesterday,” he answers.

“Good. Then you know the way. Go there and tell Ser Duncan I have need of him tomorrow. I’ll watch the readers for now,” you tell him.

You return to the library and sit across from Cerelle. “Can I borrow you for a short while?” She lowers the ledger and gives you a flat look. “Nothing that requires you undressing. Though I wouldn’t be opposed.”

She looks to you over with her deep blue eyes and finally nods, saving her page with a spare ribbon. “Keep reading girls,” she says while taking your offered hand.

“So, I’ve decided to get more knights. Might be… five or so to start. Knightly orders are all the rage here, yeah?” you tell her outside.

“Aurion… you already have hundreds of men. Hundreds of mouths to feed, I should add… and it has become exceedingly clear to me from reports out of the town that your staggering number of rowers constitute a floating criminal population,” she says.

“Aye, the sea is wet and rowers cause trouble. Everyone knows that… but this is different. This is for the protection of you and our child. I’d rest easier knowing there are good, honorable men watching over you when I’m away,” you tell her.

“That is sweet of you to say, but where do you intend to find these knights?” she asks.

“That’s why I wanted to talk to you. Edger had the idea. Sort of. I think he was looking for some other angle in truth,” you say.

She huffs. “He has grand notions of putting together a cavalry force. I should think he was looking to find likeminded men, but his approach was lacking. A tourney would accomplish such a task easily enough.”

“Yeah? Not that I’ve a problem with horsemen, but I was looking for guardians, not outriders,” you say.

“There are many more knights of the west encamped around King’s Landing…” she thinks aloud.

“Do you think it wise to stack the house with westermen? Even I know they’re not the most popular sort of late and for good reason what with them sacking a city. Not to mention a good number don’t like me,” you point out.

>>4205536
She clearly doesn’t like what you have to say on her old people, but she doesn’t contest it either. “If not them, then who else? Our neighbors clearly hate us, so they would make a poor source of recruitment. As much as it frustrates me to say, we haven’t the influence to put out a call of recruitment while expecting to have reliable men answer the call. We would more likely end up with hedge knights and their ilk and I would sooner be guarded by the kitchen staff.”

“I have decent contacts amongst the northmen and stormlanders,” you suggest.

“You have one contact for each. Even if they were willing to assist you in this matter, they would only leave you with men either overly loyal to themselves or of poor enough quality to be no more than their leavings,” she says. “The only reasonable options I can see would be recruiting from the west or weeding through tournament fighters. Unless… I could send a follow-on letter to the Faith. They have a vested interest in keeping track of more pious knights throughout the realm. It is the only method left to them for seeking out the aid of reliable fighters when their holdings are threatened.”

>More westermen knights would be fine provided you can find some of the right temperament
>We can pick out some tourney knights in King’s Landing or host one of our own
>Write to the Faith for some pious knights
>Something else

>>4205538
>More westermen knights would be fine provided you can find some of the right temperament

>>4205538
>>We can pick out some tourney knights in King’s Landing or host one of our own

>>4205538
>We can pick out some tourney knights in King’s Landing or host one of our own

>>4205538
>>We can pick out some tourney knights in King’s Landing or host one of our own

>>4205538
>>Write to the Faith for some pious knights
I admit I like the idea of the Merc of the Faith

>>4205538
>Write to the Faith for some pious knights

These are supposed to be loyal guardians, not the best jousters.

>>4205538
>>We can pick out some tourney knights in King’s Landing or host one of our own

>>4205538
>We can pick out some tourney knights in King’s Landing or host one of our own

Writing!

“Seems like picking out a few decent lads out of a tourney could give us the most to work with. I’m not keen on limiting myself to westermen. They're doing something right with their women I'll grant you, but few of the men have impressed me so far,” you tell her.

Cerelle frowns. “And the Faith? They have more reach than a simple tourney.”

“Might be that’s the problem. Would their picks have more loyalty to the house or their holy books? Not sure, myself. Loyalty, love. Loyalty’s not something from the pages of a book,” you say.

“I fear you may have that precisely backwards, Aurion. The loyalty the Faith inspired is why they are no longer trusted to maintain their own militant orders,” she says.

“And if I ask them to do something they think their books won’t approve of, what then?” you suggest.

“Such as?” she narrows her eyes.

>How do you feel about taxes? (Discuss black market ideas)
>Don’t bring that up just yet. You’re still not sure about it.
>Something else.

>>4205646
>>How do you feel about taxes? (Discuss black market ideas)

>>4205646
>Don’t bring that up just yet. You’re still not sure about it.

>>4205646
>Don’t bring that up just yet. You’re still not sure about it.

>>4205652
+1

>>4205646
>>How do you feel about taxes? (Discuss black market ideas)
She could lead us not to do it. If she is vehemently against it.

>>4205646
>>How do you feel about taxes? (Discuss black market ideas)

Can I get 3 rolls of 6d6 for Convince? DC 17

Rolled 3, 5, 2, 2, 2, 2 = 16 (6d6)

>>4205700

Rolled 2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 5 = 21 (6d6)

>>4205700

Rolled 6, 2, 5, 5, 2, 3 = 23 (6d6)

>>4205700

Rolled 1, 4, 6, 2, 1, 1 = 15 (6d6)

>>4205700

>>4205702
>>4205703
>>4205706
So close to that second degree... okay, writing.

“Seems like picking out a few decent lads out of a tourney could give us the most to work with. I’m not keen on limiting myself to westermen,” you tell her.

Cerelle frowns. “And the Faith? They have more reach than a simple tourney.”

“Might be that’s the problem. Would their picks have more loyalty to the house or their holy books? Not sure, myself. Loyalty, love. Loyalty’s not something from the pages of a book,” you say.

“I fear you may have that precisely backwards, Aurion. The loyalty the Faith inspired is why they are no longer trusted to maintain their own militant orders,” she says.

“And if I ask them to do something they think their books won’t approve of, what then?” you suggest.

“Such as?” she narrows her eyes.

>How do you feel about taxes? (Discuss black market ideas)
>Don’t bring that up just yet. You’re still not sure about it.
>Something else.

“How do you feel about taxes?” you ask her.

“They… are what allows polite society to function and keep order upon the disorderly… Aurion, where are you going with this?” she asked tiredly.

“Are they? Whew, I wish someone told me that when I was barely scraping by as a lad,” you laugh with little mirth.

“That’s not what I…” she trails off shaking her head.

“Are you well?” you reach out to steady her.

“Fine… I think I need to eat. Will you join me?” she admits.

“Course, love.” You walk her down to the hall and sit with her alone, watching her delicately pick at a hearty stew.

“You’re staring at me,” she comments.

“Can’t help it. You should take it easier, you know?”

“Perhaps you may be right,” she concedes. “But for now, there is too much work to be done.”

“Right. So… taxes. Don’t much like them. Simple as.”

“Without taxes, we have next to no revenue. They are necessary, Aurion. In fact, I would say they are disturbingly lax in these lands,” she says while dabbing at her lips.

“So that leaves us with what? Put the boot down on people who’ve been pushed out their homes? Seems wrong don’t you think. I’d rather turn it to advantage,” you say.

“What possible advantage could there be in this lawlessness?” she looks to you like you’ve finally lost it.

“So happens I know a score or three who share my more reasoned sentiments on taxes and the like. There’s a market to be had there by my reckoning. See they like places like this where there’s not a bunch of lads in painted gold cloaks pretending like they didn’t come from the streets they spit on,” you say.

>>4205812
“Might be they are. What difference does it make so long as they put forth a cut in thanks for the convenience of exchange here. Just cause King’s Landing takes a heap of the profit out of hulls and demands unreasonable accountings of the nature of goods doesn’t mean we are obliged to send all ships their way,” you idly spin a spoon on the tabletop.

“You understand this comes with a certain reputation---”

“That I already have. What of it?” you point out.

“And your children and your children’s children?” she presses.

“Can do what they want. If they’ve any sense, and I’m sure they will coming out of you, they’ll see the less taxes the less problems they’ll have,” you say.

“Fewer.”

“What?”

“Nothing,” she sighs. “We simply don’t need this, Aurion. In perhaps three years’ time we will have more coin than we will need without such a venture.”

“And I can bring us in the right sort of trade over a couple dinners and a few bottles of rum that you’d take years of pouring over ledgers and the like to establish,” you drop with a smug grin.

She studies your face for a time, your unusual faded purple lost in her deep pools of blue… and gives the slightest of nods. “I want them controlled, Aurion. I don’t particularly care how, but they will not be causing the chaos your rowers have caused of late.”

“Not to worry, love. I know how to handle their type,” you assure her with a grin.

“What of your tourney plans? As you know, King’s Landing is still under a prohibition. The tourney for celebrating the Royal Wedding is not to be for several months. That greatly limits our options. We must either host one ourselves or seek out one hosted by another lord,” she changes the subject. “If we were to host, I would suggest sending invitations to lands such as Tarth and Estermont. You are likely most popular in the islands of the Stormlands after dealing with those pirates.”

“Can we afford one? What’re the numbers looking like for the turn of the moon?” you ask.

>Can I get 1 roll of 9d6 (6D+3b) for House Fortunes?

Rolled 6, 2, 2, 5, 2, 4, 1, 3, 2 = 27 (9d6)

>>4205814

File: 1501390060519.png (149 KB, 716x680)

149 KB PNG

>>4205817
22 That's a Growth. You can improve 1 resource by 1 point at base. With your armorsmith holding and the separate +1 from Cerelle's Head for Numbers, that can net you +3 Wealth. Population and Power also get boosted to 2. All others are the flat +1. What will it be?

>>4205826
Wealth. seems like a solid bet.
Isn't it a 1d3
since we have 3 wealth from mines (2) and 1 from Armorer?
And then add 1 to the result?

We could get anywhere from 2-4?Likely we would suck and get 2 wealth Or am I missing a mechanic?

>>4205840
They just missed becoming operational for this roll by a couple weeks, but yeah that will be the case on the next roll.

>>4205826
Law?

File: CC97FFAB-9B9C-4809-BD46-A(...).jpg (150 KB, 858x931)

150 KB JPG

>>4205646
>How do you feel about taxes? (Discuss black market ideas)
We libertarian now

>>4205851
Wealth
If anything we could spend 2 wealth to get 1 law I belive. And still be up 1 Wealth
Than if we just chose law.

>>4205863
Yeah ok
>>4205826
Wealth

>>4205812
>Simple as.
NORF

>Gained 3 wealth

“I would say it is at least possible, Aurion. Everything points to some positive growth in coinage. Your armorsmith has been commendably hard at work and I do believe I have closed a few loopholes in your ledgers. We should have enough to afford the traditional joust and perhaps even a proper feast so that we may more closely mingle with our less treasonous neighbors, although a larger melee would be out of the question… of course, this is only if you call in debts from the merchants who should have been paying their taxes in the months leading up my arrival here,” she says with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Host a regional tourney? (4 wealth base cost)
>Yes (3 wealth +1 glory)
>No

If yes:
>Add a feast for 1 extra glory +3 food
>Don’t

Alright, this is my last post the night. I wanted to get to Ser Duncan, but it will have to wait for Tuesday night (too much going on tomorrow). Oh Pacing, you fickle bitch. Thanks for playing!

>>4205893
>>No
We can wait.
Keep it as a plan to gain the cadre.

>>4205893
Yes
Don't

>>4205893
>Yes (3 wealth +1 glory)
>Add a feast for 1 extra glory +3 food

If we can get this up and running before the royal wedding then all the better. Is there an influence gain with this?

>>4205893
>no

>>4205893
>>No
We just got this money and you guys want to spend it immediately. While also spending all of our glory along with it. Making gaining law impossible. I’d rather we spend the glory on law directly.

>>4205893
>>No
I feel like there are better thing to spend our money on right now

>>4205925
The money isn't accumulating interest. Spend the 2 glory on law and we still see no benefits for a few more points. The vote earlier was to host or seek out a tourney for the knights we voted on. Maybe that wasn't thought through, but here we are. I'd rather commit to something.

>>4205940
>Spend the 2 glory on law and we still see no benefits for a few more points.
I am not sure that is how that works.
Crime does not just disappear one day. It's incremental. So I would say spend it. Then once we gain some more glory fighting our next fight we come back and spend it there. crime gets better slowly but surely.

What interests me more now is if Vaeron can gain exp at half the rate, would he not gain glory as well we could ask him to donate to the house? Or is that too meta boggs?

>>4205964
That is how it works at the house scale. The next threshold for noteworthy change is 21 law.

Vaeron can gain glory if he wins a battle without you (or tourney) which he could then donate to the house if he so chooses, but I won't be handing out extra points at half rate. That would be too strong for a single benefit.

>>4205917
Yup. 1d6 base gain from the tourney. +2 from the feast.

>>4205812
> I’m not keen on limiting myself to westermen
miffed that I missed the vote (I wanted knights-militant) but that's an angle I hadn't seen. neat. very neat
>>4205858
I mean look at what Aurion does for a living lol
>>4205882
> 'ate cops, 'ate taxes, luv me rum. simple as
>>4205893
> Yes (3 wealth +1 glory)
> Don't
feasts are for more relaxed times. this is srs bsnss

>>4205978
Just to be sure. A cadre doesn't bring any extra benefits other than being a small unit of 10 knights that represent a veteran troop?
Essentially a smaller Personal Guard
+ What this says
This squad automatically reorganizes or rallies at the start of each round until destroyed. Should this unit be wiped out, you lose this quality and the Destiny Point you used to acquire it. While you need not pay this squad, you must feed and provide for the soldiers in it.
Am I missing anything?

>>4205536
are there any good landing spots other than Stormgrave Cove? is there a road leading up to the lighthouse? is there a road anywhere in fact? i kinda lost track of that

>>4205893
>No

>>4205893
>No
Delay the tourney and recruitment until after the war is over. Spend (save) wealth on the smelter or something.

>>4205893
>Yes (3 wealth +1 glory)
>Add a feast for 1 extra glory +3 food

>>4205893
Yes
Yes

>>4205893
>Yes (3 wealth +1 glory)
>Add a feast for 1 extra glory +3 food

>>4205983
It’s five named knights with secondary character stat blocks that will be armored from your forge as befits their station. They won’t win wars for you, but they should bring an element of prestige to the house as the vote described. Just giving you ten dudes with spears would be far too weak of a benefit for a character who already has hundreds.

>>4206001
Not really. It’s surrounded by cliffs. There’s a pathway leading up to your castle, but that still requires rowing in rather than docking. There would be a small road leading to the old lighthouse, but that domain is the only one with a road. You can add roads to the other two though.

>>4205983
It's prestigious for a small knightly house like ours to have a small troop of household knights at our service, but the average lordly house would easily have a dozen of household knights at their service and enough money to hire a bunch of hedge knights during war times.

>>4206595
thank you

Hmm. I'm seeing a tied vote, 6-6. There have been plenty of good points both for and against holding the tournament. This is your chance to see this through before the Royal Wedding, but you do have quite the shopping list. The Destiny Point vote is locked in either way, so it's up to you on how you want to play this out.

>>4206801
No
So we wait for a big tourney. Spend our money wisely we've no immediate need for influence
So 5 knight's? Is that even considered a full unit power wise?
Or will they be just that forever guardians of our home and nothing more.

>>4206801
No tourney, theres better shit to spend our money on right now. we're already a quickly climbing upstart house, there's no need to annoy the older houses of the realm by showing off this quickly.

Lets wait for the birth of our son or something like that to have a tourney.

>>4206834
>we're already a quickly climbing upstart house, there's no need to annoy the older houses of the realm by showing off this quickly

Who gives a shit. Stay IC

>>4206874
It would also be in character to realize not to make thousand foot waves in a kiddy pool.
Aurion isn't an idiot. We haven't been doing all these things on purpose. Some them had to be done. Idc what anyone says we are a noble. The guy had his hand coming off secured once he touched us.
The bells may have been much but it fits.
Our men are our men. That they stand out is of no issue to us.
And us gbeing landed Aurion shouldn't care how others feel. And who he weds.
This we have an active choice not to fuck with the order of things.
We have the cadre locked in. We are getting it. Just not right now. Relax

>>4206888
>This we have an active choice not to fuck with the order of things

What is being fucked with? Didn't Lydden tell us to get more knights? This reasoning is backwards.

>>4206874
the whole point of a tourney is mostly melee. Which cause some lives to perish. And more to be maimed or wounded.
KL isn't doing them to save strength cause we are CURRENTLY warring. Not infighting for a dumb tourney.
Even if we said we would use wooden swords. That then puts men to act different. Not doing this or that or taking more chances. Making it so we wouldn't gain men that may not react the same when using real steel.
We just had our wedding. Snubbed some people. And now you guys want to snub some others. Or worse invite plenty of people into our lands. That is currently a pretty lawless zone. And invite people to get murdered on our lands or robbed and who's fault would that be on?
Along with with all these new invites do you believe no one else will slip in? With how lax our lsecurity is at the moment?>>4206899
you mean the guy that confused our heavies with knights? With how well trained they are?
You also seem to forget technically our WHOLE first regiment IS knighted. We CAME KNIGHTED from across the sea. So in practice we actually have 51 knighted men in our employ. We just treat them the same as we do any other troop.
I could be wrong about that but fairly certain it's tradition to knight every member of our company.

>>4206916
>have 51 knighted men in our employ
Yeah unless I read that wrong too. Thats the tradition in our company.
Any 5 of our men could take on some knighted boy from a tourney or the avg hedge knight and slaughter them.
>still salty we didn't just get 5 men from our first regiment. And it ensured loyalty. Instead if also vetting them. After we find ones we like.

>>4206916
>the whole point of a tourney is mostly melee
Wrong. It's a joust.

This is now the second time you have said they are all knights. Based on what? It says only the officers are.

>>4206927
why the fuck would we want jousting knights INSIDE are castle? Are they bringing horses inside our castle to protect all of our maidens fro. Assassins that joust inside our castle? Lol
This is even worse. I'm now.much happier about passing on this tourney if it was a jousting tourney.
Where plenty die or get maimed as well.

>>4206931
Because that is what knights are supposed to be good at? It doesn't mean they're glued to their mounts... your reasoning makes no sense and is only hurting your case. Keep going I guess. The vote is 6-7.

>>4206938
Yeah except if we are saying that's true then yours makes less sense. Why in gods name would we look for good jousters? When what we CURRENTLY NEED are men good at actually fighting. We need proof of fighting skill not some gimmicky skill like jousting.
The vote is also 6-8. Fairly certain. That's considered tie broken.
If we were to have this tourney we would need more capital. Along with making it a melee.
Asking for a jousting tourney makes no sense. I guess thats just my opinion. But wow does a jousting tourney make no sense.

>>4206927
>>4206924
You were right. I went back and it said officers are knighted.
We've to see what lil + big Jenassa have found on house Rambton before we head out.
And figure out what is happening with ser Duncan the quicker the better.

>>4206951
They roll for jousts with fighting dice. Knights that can't joust are fake knights. It's 6-7. Or 6-6. Or 6-8. I'm not sure what this is supposed to be:

>>4205930
>>4206834
Either this guy is just repeating "no tourney" for some reason or he is blatantly samefagging.

>>4206959
>Knights that can't joust are fake knights
I would rather have Vearon guarding our wife than see edger even if magically edger would win because he can ride a horse better and has bonus die in spears/lances w.e it is.
When their actual weapon of choice is a long sword. Wasted efforts other places. Id pick Vaeron 10/10 times. Than some jousting champion. Good jousting is not equal a good fighter. Its a skill that requires many skills to be useful at. Whole pure a pure fighting beast like Vaeron would wash most great jousters in a direct fight. Do you not agree?
Melee would be a better tourney to hold is all im saying now. If we had to hold one

>>4206974
By that logic we might as well give the Clegane boys a call. This is supposed to be for defending our family. We have other units to fight battles with. Are we going for bruisers with the highest fighting rank or honorable knights?

>>4206888
we actually could very much use closer contacts with the local nobility

>>4206956
I would so much appreciate it if you stopped DOING SOMETHING ELSE while posting here.
pls, for me, anon. pls. you're smarter and more fun than this... partial simulacrum you're offering up here
do it like I do, when you don't have time, don't post, just let it go. it's even more fun like that, and other anons are assured a turn at the wheel

>>4206987
You cant have another Vaeron between a couple knights? Look at Yew skillful yet burdened with guilt which is why he came to us. He is likely a good fighter. Or marksmanship in his case. You'd say you can't be a bruiser and honor bound? Its like you've never met our best friend...Vaeron

>>4205166
>>4207073
>>4206924
I never went back and was biased into my answer with another anon saying the same thing...
I took a calculated risk, but I am bad at math...
>>4207049
I agree with you. If it were not for the shit storm we were about to kick up between some of our neighbors idk.
We are on the wrong side of the war compared to most if not all of our neighbors.
We are going to be kicking in Rambton's door down soon.
We've essentially taken Eddison under our house, just not officially. And Potentially marrying him to one of our allies. Where his head of house will profit from nothing there.
Pissing off 1 lord Celtigar, as well as another from House Sunglass which we will eventually be raining hell upon.

I am fairly certain our neighbors don't have much spare love for us anyhow. But I do agree we should hold a Tourney once things settle for our babyboy. In celebration of his names day. And belated celebration of our marriage.
And solidly put on a feast so we can gather our men starting with a good opinion of us, after getting a smelter and getting law to 21.
Also have our wife in on the meeting to vet em. High awareness and empathy bonus. Since they will be serving her as well. And if they show disdain to her fuck em anyway.

>>4205893
>No

>>4205893
>No
Half the attendants will be secret enemies and the other half will be obvious enemies, let's spend this money better

>>4207964
assume they will
how is it a bad thing? we can at the very least observe the dynamics between them, maybe find some leverage...

>>4207964
Did you read the post. It looks like it'll mostly be stormlanders. All of these bad faith arguments because smelter go sssssssssszzzzzztttttttttt.

Ok, calling the vote for holding onto that wealth for now. Maybe a tourney at a later date? That or you can stop by the big one in King's Landing in like 5 or so months if you can stand waiting that long.

>Jousts and melees in general

The default is always a joust. Holding a tournament that is just a melee would be looked down upon by the majority of the nobility as it is a less honorable form of combat that leaves itself open to all sorts of riffraff that can't afford to gamble with a set of plate and a proper warhorse. Jousts are considered an appropriate test of skill at arms because an anointed knight that doesn't fight from horseback is an unusual minority. Melees are also generally frowned upon at weddings, but there are at least a couple exceptions to this. I want to say melees would be a weird thing to hold to celebrate a first nameday as well since it's a frequently bloody event being held at a celebration of new life, but I can't think of any source for this, so maybe not. I think they're considered a fair addition to a joust at any other event. Of course, you're all free to break from convention if you want.

>smelter go sssssssssszzzzzztttttttttt

Alright, this one made me laugh.

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>>4208634
> calling the vote
not the greatest of calls imo

shit, I was going to vote yes for the tourney

>>4205930
>>4206834
There's also this shit.

>>4208979
Stop whining. You lost the vote. Work with what you have on hand. People lose in votes, it happens. We just have to move forward and work together to make the best choices.

>>4208979
It's a new thread don't forget

>>4209288
One dude literally voted twice with the same ID.

>>4209340
Except as >>4206959 pointed out it may have just been a sentence. And the vote was called at not 1 over. but 2 or 3 votes NOT counting that vote.
QM can read. I am sure he didn't count some guy who voted with the same ID. I highly doubt there is someone that dumb. He was likely just commenting.

So we doing 2 posts today as well?

>>4209542
Or none at all.
Well I hope everything is fine OP. Wishing you good health. I'm sure things may have come up

>>4209163
Throwing my own argument in my face, nice touch.
>>4209288
160 replies when you posted, that's not exactly fresh.

>>4208979
Fuck off nigger, I'm asleep or at work when the quest runs. If there's an overnight vote where I can get in then I damn well will. I'm not going to sit up at night and post just to appease your paranoia.

I find it ironic that you see samefags and cheaters behind 1 id posts but have complete trust and faith in characters in the story you haven't met because of their lord's allegiance. In a political game, at a political event, where we a are upending conventions and ignoring protocols

>>4209965
k, just maybe don't double vote eh
or was that not you? i think it was
> upending conventions
more like exploiting, gently and lovingly with a big beautiful dick

>>4209965
>have complete trust and faith in characters in the story you haven't met because of their lord's allegiance. In a political game, at a political event, where we a are upending conventions and ignoring protocols

Which conventions? Which protocols? Tourneys are completely normal. Recruiting knights is completely normal. We were even told to get more. I find it ironic that there is so much shadowrunning over holding a tourney that people would be willing to delay gaining bodyguards over it. It's completely backwards. If everyone was saying no because they somehow feel the need to dump every point of wealth into infrastructure when we are at war with most of our neighbors, then fine. It's the bad faith "wE cAnT GeT gUaRdS bC eVeRyOne WilL KiLl uS" that bugs me. It's the voting to recruit from a tourney and then refusing to hold a tourney that bugs me. For the record, I don't think you were samefagging. My only problem there is with the dude that voted twice and then couldn't even bother clearing it up.

>>4210360
I mean, I figured it was pretty clear i was only reiterating a point and not voting again. The QM seems like a smart lad, i'm sure he can figure out the difference.

File: Cerelle1.jpg (86 KB, 469x685)

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>Sorry for the unexpected delay. It’s been a very long week already. Posting this early so we can start the night closer to where I wanted to get to.

“I’d rather not squeeze the merchants, no. Not right after voicing my thoughts on the evils of taxing,” you decide. “A tourney’ll need to wait til happier times… hold on now. Is this a trick? Mention taxes so I don’t spend coin on games?”

She hides her smile behind steepled hands upon the table. “Oh, I will never tell. It could be precisely the opposite.”

“I have ways of finding out, you know,” you lean forward on the table.

“I am quite sure you don’t, Aurion,” she teases.

“I could always carry you off and make you---” you start with raised voice, but you’re cut off as she reaches across the table and clamps a hand over your mouth. Good to know you can still make her blush.

“You are impossible,” she whispers. “I never thought to have a husband so vexing. Do you simply voice the first thought that comes to mind?”

You start talking into her hand, so she pulls away. “That’s why you’re so attracted to me. Well, one of many reasons. I wager those well-mannered highborn lads are too predictable for you. You feed them a line and they dance to your tune as they’ve been trained to. Me? I’m a terrible dancer,” you boast.

“A fact I am well aware of,” she comments. “What did you do with my sworn sword?”

“I told him to go find Ser Duncan and tell him to show up here tomorrow. I want to gain a better measure of the man,” you tell her.

“Oh? Will you be doing this alone or would you like me to attend as well?” she asks.

>Alone. Less formal with more room for candid talk
>With Cerelle. More formal, but she may have insights or questions that you wouldn’t

>>4210532
>With Cerelle. More formal, but she may have insights or questions that you wouldn’t

>>4210535
+1

>>4210532
>With Cerelle. More formal, but she may have insights or questions that you wouldn’t
She's the one that brought up the concerns

>>4210532
>>With Cerelle. More formal, but she may have insights or questions that you wouldn’t

>>4210532
>>Alone. Less formal with more room for candid talk

>>4210532

>With Cerelle

of course,

She's a genius.

>>4210360
>Which conventions? Which protocols?
Wasn't speaking of the tourney in particular but aurion in general. He just do whatever he thinks a lord should be able to do. He talks and acts like he's one of them, on their level when he's not. Friend or foe this isn't appreciated and the peers of the realm won't suffer it for long, least of all young men within arm's reach carrying weapons.

I didn't vote for the stuff leading up to this but I rather we spend the money on something else. I'm not getting into that debate on the unit itself.

>>4210532
>With Cerelle. More formal, but she may have insights or questions that you wouldn’t

>>4210891
Ah ok. I agree. He must be coming off as reaching.

>>4210532
> With Cerelle
was her idea anyway

>>4210532
>>With Cerelle. More formal, but she may have insights or questions that you wouldn’t

“You’re the one that put me on to him in the first place. I’d have you see for yourself if you’re right or not,” you tell her.

“I do hope I am wrong, Aurion… but what do you know of the man other than that he served your enemies until you arrived?” she points out.

“Just that he’s supposed to be the honorable sort. He’s like me in a sense. Lowborn and rose higher. Makes him popular with the little folk,” you say.

“Hmm,” she thinks on it as you help her to her feet. “If you are so popular, then why do you have such a problem with lawlessness?”

That makes you frown. “People need to eat…”

“I wish I could believe you. I truly do…” she looks troubled but says no more as you lead her away for some much-needed sleep.

Ser Duncan doesn’t keep you waiting long and appears before you in your hall just before midday. You’re seated with Cerelle by your side while Ser Edger and Ser Vaeron are both off to the sides of the hall. You're not exactly expecting danger, but it can't hurt to keep them around.

“Reporting as ordered, ser,” Ser Duncan says professionally with a salute against his plated chest. He’s clean shaven and silver haired with age. You may both come from similar backgrounds, but you couldn’t be more different otherwise.

How do you want to handle this?

>Try to warm the man up. Invite him to eat and see if he slips up on something at some point. (Charm)
>Don’t hold anything back. You still have no word on your contacts in Rambton lands. Someone has betrayed you and he is the most suspect. (Intimidate)
>Go a different direction and tell him false tales about Rambton and your enemies to gauge his reaction. A poor relationship builder, but potentially effective. (Deception: Bluff)
>Something else.

>>4211372
>Don’t hold anything back. You still have no word on your contacts in Rambton lands. Someone has betrayed you and he is the most suspect. (Intimidate)

>>4211372
>Try to warm the man up. Invite him to eat and see if he slips up on something at some point. (Charm)

>>4211372
>Try to warm the man up. Invite him to eat and see if he slips up on something at some point. (Charm)

>>4211372
>>Try to warm the man up. Invite him to eat and see if he slips up on something at some point. (Charm)

>>4211372
>Try to warm the man up. Invite him to eat and see if he slips up on something at some point. (Charm)

>>4211372
>Don’t hold anything back. You still have no word on your contacts in Rambton lands. Someone has betrayed you and he is the most suspect. (Intimidate)

>>4211372
>>Try to warm the man up. Invite him to eat and see if he slips up on something at some point. (Charm)
>>4211418
We are just stronger in charming and can lead to intimidation really quickly if need be.
We want him to give us the information willingly. So we may be able to turn him into a double agent if he was involved with any plotting behind our back.
Then in a future if he loses his use once lawlessness is better we may end up giving him to the gallows once we can or better yet use him as a witness.

>>4211372
>Try to warm the man up. Invite him to eat and see if he slips up on something at some point. (Charm)

We can always move on to intimidation - can’t really go the other way. Hard to call a man a potential traitor and then pour on the the charm

>>4211424
Why would it even be an option if you can always start with it and flip over. It's made sense before but not here.

>>4211456
yes good cop bad cop works in some cases.
But we don't really expect our wife to play either part unless she notices something that we do not.
HEY I'LL CUT YOUR DICK OFF IF YOU DON'T TELL ME THE TRUTH! Oh, i see you were telling the truth. Lets get this whole cutting your dick off behind us and on wards to good times!

we still don't know if he is what we think he is. Or we could simply fail and have no real proof.
I also think it's strange that we rolled for it and never got any results from that roll for Duncan. When we should have gotten a general disposition at least. from that 1 degree of success

Ok. Can I get 3 rolls of 7d6 for Charm? DC 16.

Rolled 3, 1, 2, 2, 6, 1, 3 = 18 (7d6)

>>4211474

Over 30 go

Rolled 6, 6, 4, 1, 5, 4, 3 = 29 (7d6)

>>4211474

>>4211471
He just walked in the room... I didn't forget about it, you will know more next post.

>>4211480
I did what the dice gods could anon. I have failed you anon-desu
>>4211482
i appreciate you...I truly do.

Rolled 3, 5, 2, 6, 2, 2, 1 = 21 (7d6)

>>4211474

>>4211480
>>4211481
>>4211490
3 degrees. Writing!

>>4211492
in theory with Cerelle here, couldn't she help with the disposition roll? say roll a 1B dice? or would she have her own chance you would roll for since we are controlling Aurion?

“No need to be so formal about it, Ser Duncan. Come, sit and eat with us,” you beckon him forward and have him pull up a chair across from you.

You call for an extra bowl of stew and more ale. “You’re an ale man, right?” you ask.

“I am, ser.” He takes the mug gratefully and downs a good half of it by the time the stew arrives.

“I can appreciate a man with a thirst,” you say approvingly. “Only men with shifty natures won’t partake.”

He looks to you as if suspicious of the meaning of your words but nods all the same. “As you say, ser.”

You turn to Cerelle, who seems content to watch for now. “Ser Duncan comes from these lands just as I do. Good men care about their homes and his men fought hard to reclaim it. I should know, I fought beside them.”

“You led them well, ser. I am sure I speak for my men when I say your assistance was much appreciated,” he says.

You look at him with an easy smile while doing your best to read the man. He seems… genuine. Perhaps not overly praiseworthy, but honest and professional all the same. “Tell me, ser. How fairs the town? My lady wife and I are concerned over all these reports of lawlessness.”

“Reports I wrote myself. I’m relieved they are taken seriously, ser. I will be honest… this is the worst I’ve ever seen it. The oarsmen from your fleet cause trouble daily chasing wh---” he glances to Cerelle and clears his throat, “womenfolk and drinking to excess. The local smallfolk aren’t much better these days,” he sighs.

“I know you to be an experienced man, Ser Duncan. What would you do to change things?” you ask.

He looks pleased at your compliment. “Short of reducing your warships, I have little answer for the oarsmen, ser. I understand they cannot be kept aboard endlessly. However, the people are in need of good honest work. Work is its own form of prayer and they need to be occupied all the same. They are weak in body and soul in their laxity.”

You nod along. It’s all well said and true enough advice. There is room enough for industry in and around the little town. It probably doesn’t help that the area around your only true settlement of note is so undeveloped. It’d take the folk living in town hours to walk to the hills or farms… if those parts of your land even need the extra hands. You glance to Cerelle. She’s staring at the man, but she seems content with silence and makes no moves to voice any concerns.

Would you like to do anything else?
>His answers have been reasonable. Thank him for his time and send him on his way.
>Prompt Cerelle to voice her concerns if she still has any.
>Accuse him of disloyalty.
>Something else.

>>4211559
Prompt Cerelle

>>4211559
>>Prompt Cerelle to voice her concerns if she still has any.

>>4211559
>>Something else.
settlement development doesn't sound like a bad idea. Would we be able to reduce lawlessness as well as make back some money in the long term?

>>4211559
>>Prompt Cerelle to voice her concerns if she still has any.
>And besides the oarmen and the lack of honest work, which we are working to remedy, what else is causing issue?

>>4211559
>His answers have been reasonable. Thank him for his time and send him on his way.

It's not like we are stopping her from speaking. I don't want to put her on the spot if that's not what she wants.

>throwing Cerelle under the bus


>>4211559
>Something else.
Ask him what he knows about Rambton

>>4211579
we already know this anon. We need to invest into the town.
We just don't have the money yet.
We may get the glory to invest into law directly.
But we have to decide together what we want for the town for growth. We just haven't the money or what industry we want to implement. I feel like for the most part we know we want a town or larger in our future.

>>4211604
I don't. The estates for bigger towns are beyond boring.

>>4211594
I'll support this too. Every bit helps there.

>>4211594
+1

>>4211594
Supporting.

>>4211607
I mean I feel like given our wife's and our own ideals. We want a minimum of a small town. And not ruin our long term growth.

>>4211559
>>Prompt Cerelle to voice her concerns if she still has any.
And ask about house rambton

>>4211594
I don't see it as throwing her under the bus. It seems like he is pretty genuine. We've discovered he isn't hiding anything. Show we could ask questions above board now. And IF our wife has any concerns why is it a problem with her asking.
>if she still has any.
I will say I am fine with asking about House Rambton to end these talks with Ser Duncan. Starting afresh

>>4211649
Skipping over the fact that we will make plenty of gold either way...

>They should be cared for, but building towns for them? Why, if I may ask?”

>“A fair point and one many great lords and ladies must have come to as well, lest the Seven Kingdoms be dotted with an excess of towns and cities,” Cerelle smiles. “There is no ‘why’ beyond vanity and the chance at more riches. Those who live within the town may very likely live more wretched lives than those out on their own farmsteads. One need only set foot within King’s Landing to see the truth of it. Uncontrolled growth…”

From last thread. I used to think a small town was the goal but this got me thinking.

>>4211672
>Uncontrolled growth
Being key here. Yes there is a point to stand on there. But are a leader we can't actively choose to stagnate for our selves and our heirs. It just doesn't make sense especially if we are going for lord. While I am not sure there are lords with a hamlet there may be..I doubt there are plenty of them. We shouldn't limit our selves. What we should do is focus on responsible growth.
A better bet than that would be if your really care about the smallfolk in our domains would be to negate a black market anons want. It brings us more good as a noble than it brings the people good as commoners. If anything it's a terrible idea for commoners. Bringing riffraff to their home.

>>4211672
More importantly with some one as wise as Cerelle running our home. She can advise un in many way she would see potential problems. Some problems will come up sure. But we will grow and get through them.
Money solves poor people problems. Add a school or an alms house and such..

4-4 whether or not to prompt Cerelle to speak. Either way you're asking about Rambton.

>>4211649
>>4211672
You're more than welcome to ask her thoughts on it.

>>4211710
>While I am not sure there are lords with a hamlet there may be..I doubt there are plenty of them.
There are plenty. Hamlets and even smaller villages that don't warrant a Land mention are closer to the norm in many areas. See >>4205531

>>4211728
>Prompt her

We brought her for a reason no?

>>4211728
>There are plenty
lords like status 5 lords. Thats entertaining to know and quite surprising actually. I wouldn't expect there to be more than a handfull of noble lords, and also have a hamlet or less. I assume we aren't counting anything like a position that grants it but has no lands. I should really get around to reading the books.

>>4211729
Thanks. Writing.

>>4211755
It's mentioned here and there both in story and ooc when GRRM gives talks. You'd see plenty of references to towerhouses and small holdfasts manned by a dozen or so men at most. That's what feudalism should be. The rules for this system just happen to be geared more towards slightly larger houses so by default you end up starting somewhere in the middle of the power scale if you're managing a house at all with these rules. The author has talked about how the vast majority of knights and minor lords are simply not mentioned because he's not about to go off naming thousands of background nobles. I can sympathize there. Most of the characters are the upper of the upper crust in a mostly rural society made up of millions of people, but their lifestyles are not the norm for the average lord or landed knight.

>>4211755
I am finding it hard to find the distinction. I may be mixing up things. Like a hereditary title, a landed knight, and a lord.
Lord>Landed knight = Hereditary title?>hedge knight>working class

I am imagining it being Lord Varys wasn't included in what we as Aurion aspire to be. Where we are not a simple titled lord. But one with lands and knights underneath him. I know I am limiting myself into a box here. But That is truly the box I saw Aurion in. Not someone to aspire to be locked into some political position.
>>4211773
mhm I appreciate the clarification. Considering we just got the lands, I couldn't see him as some one to go and fuck off and rule from afar as we may have with Cormaic towards the bitter end.

“Fair counsel, to be sure. My thanks, ser. There was one more matter I’d like your insight on. House Rambton. I find myself at a loss on them. What can you speak to of their lands?” you ask.

“I know they are known for livestock. Aside from that and your intent to invade them, I know little of House Rambton’s lands, ser,” Ser Duncan says.

“You disapprove?” you ask.

“If the rumors I’ve heard are true, then you’ve just cause on your side, ser. I only wish it didn’t come to this,” he says, looking older and wearier. “As I’m sure you know, Ser Gareth Rambton rules his house now. I had the honor of attending the wedding of the fair Lady Tysane and Ser Gareth at Sweetport Sound. Those were happier times to be sure. I haven’t seen them in… going on ten years now, I believe.”

“I knew of those two. Are there others?” you ask.

“They’ve children. At least one that I’m aware of, a daughter. She would be… five? Four? I can’t say for certain. Ah, and Ser Gareth does have a younger brother in service to Lord Guncer Sunglass. Ser Hubert or Hubard if memory serves,” he adds.

“Odd gap there…” you point out. “Why’d their oldest be so young?”

“Seven know, ser. I only know what I’ve heard in the hall. There could be an older child, but I’ve no knowledge of it,” he shrugs, causing his plate to rattle.

“Fair enough. My thanks,” you frown a touch. A brother in service to Sunglass and children… “Ah, did you have something to add, my lady?” you turn to your wife.

“Not at all, husband. Ser Duncan has been most helpful,” Cerelle says somewhat coolly.

He looks momentarily put off by her tone, but nods to her graciously all the same. “I am glad to be of service, my lady.”

You allow him to leave with little additional fuss, glad to be done with the mess… only to find that you may not be done yet. Cerelle squeezes your arm tightly. “Would you walk me to our chambers, husband?” she asks tersely.

“He needs to go,” she says as soon as the door is shut.

“What?”

“Hugh Rambton, son of Ser Gareth Rambton. A boy of one and ten. He squires for his uncle, Ser Hubert Rambton. This castle is full of information. Books, ledgers, old letters… your garrison commander is either an utter fool or he is covering things up. I am inclined to lean towards both,” she fumes, brushing back her hair.

“Why didn’t you speak up?” you ask.

“You would be eaten alive at court, Aurion,” she shakes her head. “If not for my sex, the man should be tipped off to me by now.”

“He seemed genuine enough to me,” you say in your defense.

“And to me as well until that stupidity over Rambton, Too genuine. Too honorable. A lowborn fighting man who reads is suspicious enough to me. What else? He ‘appreciated’ your help in pacifying your lands? The gall of it,” she paces.

>>4211891
“You believe him to be the traitor?” you ask.

She stops and takes a deep breath, steadying herself against the bedpost. “Yes and no. I believe he has attainted himself covering for others even if he holds himself too highly to actively spy. This is precisely what I feared. A man who thinks he knows best. Who thinks beyond his station.”

“Then who?” you need a drink.

“All of these reports… apparently written by Ser Duncan’s own hand… they are meticulous in description. Do you know what I have never come across? Mention of your garrison’s misconduct. I was not born yesterday. My father’s lands are far more orderly than these and even he has had to discipline guardsmen on occasion. Would that I were a spider on a wall in your town. It could very well be that your oarsmen are not to blame for all of these crimes,” she says.

Now that thought makes you grind your teeth. Not that you’re overly fond of your oarsmen, no one ever is, but of all the lads to take an undeserved flogging…

“So, we bring him in to answer for this,” you say.

“If it were that simple, then I would have bid you do so in the hall below. This garrison is corrupt. They need to be dealt with,” she says.

“They number a hundred men and they can’t all be corrupt. I’m not exactly swimming in good recruits to replace them at present. Plenty of the good fighting lads died in the war or fell to raiders,” you say with frustration.

“I am not particularly keen on finding a spear in my back or yours because you decided to be lenient with unreliable guards, Aurion. Are they strictly necessary for our defense?” she asks.

“Not with my Stormbringers present, no. Without them… that’s a lot to put on the crossbowmen. They’re green lads. Might hold a castle with the gates barred well enough, aye, but that’s it,” you say.

What do you want to do for now?

>Haul in Ser Duncan and relieve him of command. See if you can sort good from bad without it turning into a complete disaster.
>Bring the whole lot of them in and formally relieve the unit of their duties. You won’t accept this at all.
>Take no chances. Whatever they may be, they’re no match for your heavies. Cut them down and let the Father sort out the rest.
>Something else.

That's it for now. Thanks for playing! The write-in gave you the solid evidence here.

>>4211898
>Bring the whole lot of them in and formally relieve the unit of their duties. You won’t accept this at all.

>>4211898
I wonder if we could make up a position that we could put them in where he inadvertently helps us

>>4211898
>>Haul in Ser Duncan and relieve him of command. See if you can sort good from bad without it turning into a complete disaster.
While bringing in the top 5 captains/Lt's/fighters underneath him.
Take away the commanding officers under Duncan and interrogate them.
While leaving the Heavies to deal with the garrison. And another unit of heavies to escort Ser Duncan and his high sniveling command
I could easily be swayed with other options but I think It'd be best not to kill off our lands aspiring hero to many commoners. he can read and write he is likely the most dangerous among the men in the garrison. Taking care of him and getting a confession would lead to a better case in warring with the Rambton house.

>>4211898
>Bring the whole lot of them in and formally relieve the unit of their duties. You won’t accept this at all.

Disband and convert 5 of the power to law.

>>4211951
+1

>>4211951
If this is an option I am all for it.
We would have to imprison see Duncan anyway.

>>4211975
Maybe we can spin it as a "retirement"

>>4211913
That'd be interesting. either way we need to get someone else down there and reporting to us.

>Haul in Ser Duncan and relieve him of command. See if you can sort good from bad without it turning into a complete disaster.

>>4211891
> the gall
he dared mention reducing warships? when he knows we're going to fight soon? clearly a fool, or he takes Aurion for one.

>>4211898
can we do a little of column A and a little of column D?
We still need to get to the bottom of the whole assassin business, so bring the asshole in, torture the shit out of him to get the full story, perhaps names of loyalists in his unit if we're lucky, formally charge him with treason and fucking execute him. Does he have kids or any sort of heirs btw?
The unit needs sorting out as well. I say decimate them. Like, actually decimate. Draw lots, or have them point out Rambton loyalists in their midst, whatever as long as one in ten dies by the hands of the other nine. That should raise unit cohesion a bit, too.
Which leaves us with the issue of finding a new commander for our newly-acquired shock troop because of fucking course we'll throw them into the meat grinder. They are NOT staying back, not after this, they need to prove their loyalty in the field.
I am perfectly fine with tasking the Yew boy to hold the castle. His distaste of massacres speaks well of his character.

>>4211951
>>4211982
>>4211975
how's the addition of 100 pairs of idle hands gonna help with Law??

>>4212064
Agreed. Except the point our wife was making seems to be the garrison was disguising the ones committing the crime they were likely committing. And blaming it on our oarsmen. Likely just trying to reduce our fighting power.
We still charmed the FUCK our of him. We should be able to to get him in the castle no problem.
>>4212055
mhm, idk about a shock force but we may be able to get rid of the loyalist and possibly gain green infantrymen. Which we could take instead of our xmen with us to raid new lands. Gain some cohesion have Flint take over as infantry commander.

>>4212072
oh I meant shock troops is the way we'll use them, they are to be first into the fray, not necessarily expected to come out of it
essentially a penal company until further notice

>>4212080
I wouldn't send all these men to die. They may have been following someone who they thought wanted the best for the island. Following orders they thought came from the top. We weed out who we can, and recreate a new unit from the mess. Imprison those we can gleam some information about. Technically we can't kill off people since we are not a lord.
I want them to prove loyalty to our lands and their families. I wouldn't purposely kill off young men from our island. seems like a total waste of population.

>>4211898
>Haul in Ser Duncan and relieve him of command. See if you can sort good from bad without it turning into a complete disaster.
I rather handle him first and let the rest fall in line, we should appoint someone to take care of the garrison that can report to us

>>4211898
>>Take no chances. Whatever they may be, they’re no match for your heavies. Cut them down and let the Father sort out the rest.

>>4212093
> following someone who they thought wanted the best for the island
instead of following their rightful ruler. yep. that's a crime.
> We weed out who we can
Decimation is exactly that. One in ten. The entire unit is 100 men as far as I understand?
> imprison
kill. traitors.
> we can't kill off people since we are not a lord
u wot. we killed a whole unit who were holed up in the mines, after they surrendered. how is killing eleven known traitors a problem?
> prove loyalty
yes. by being first into the fray, and doing good.
> purposely kill off
I suggested no such thing. in fact I even explained what decimation is so nobody would misunderstand and think I want them all killed

>>4212125
>u wot. we killed a whole unit who were holed up in the mines, after they surrendered. how is killing eleven known traitors a problem?
Yeah and someone (estermount?) already said we didn't have that right. We could get into trouble for doing that shit.
Best believe if we start killing off our own islanders someone will hear about it. Last time it was foreign raiders this time our own people. Its not the kind of story you want going around.
I hear you on Decimation. But we shouldn't randomly pick 10. When we could torture Duncan and get who acted in his behalf and have our officers pull as much information from randomly selected units.
Like have Vaeron leading it, and 10 of our heavy unit men interrogate 1-2 men each. Gain as much knowledge and if anyone resist break an arm or so. And pool that information with Big Janessa. And filter it with Cerelle. While we interrogate Duncan. Then filter that information with Cerelle. high cunning and more information lets her see the bigger picture more easily. If done well we could surprise the unit completely and While we take Duncan and then 10-25 of his men. We station our 2nd regiment in the hamlet to "support them" in calming down all this unrest while we speak to these men about an important mission.
Then go out with a decimation.

>>4211951
Supporting this

>>4212137
> shouldn't randomly pick
I specifically said we should pick at random IF the pig don't squeal

>>4212064
I assume by not giving those idle hands spears, armor, and authority to abuse. Take their spears and pass them out to family men who have a reason not to be cunts instead. They start acting up without badges on their chests and I bet they get sorted quick by their own.

>>4212249
arm the smallfolk? are you daft

>>4212409
Maybe. Idk. Was just throwing out ideas to justify the resource conversion. Might not need to arm them at all. They'd be outnumbered right? We must have a few thousand people living in our lands.

Idk if I like the idea of imprisoning or penal uniting 100 men though. Just feels like too much trouble to deal with for too long and I think that rule about executing goes for imprisonment too. If it came down to it I'd sooner vote to kill them all quickly and quietly rather than have them sitting around taking up resources and being a security risk. Disbanding them to fix the law is still my first choice.

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71 KB PNG

>>4211951
It's perfectly within the rules, so I have no problem with it if that's what you want to do. The unit is worth 7 power, so you would be left with 2 additional power to either save up for a replacement unit, bring your crossbows up to Trained, or save it for the Secret Police holding.

>>4211951
>Take no chances. Whatever they may be, they’re no match for your heavies. Cut them down and let the Father sort out the rest.

>>4211951
Support

>>4212489
While we're at it would it be worth it to invest in a magistrate? If we might be going to war it could further mitigate any loss of law.

>>4212646
It could be, yeah. A magistrate could help mitigate some of the law lost to battles recently by adjudicating some of the slew of petty crimes that have sprung up. You'd still need to wait 1d6 months for one to show up.

Speaking of holdings, the discussion around the town size and estate holdings got me digging a little. I broke them out based on their settlment requirements, leaving off those holdings that require land features that aren't present such as woods/hills.

No town size restrictions
Dog kennels
Fishery
Glassworks
Saltworks
Cannot grow town past a hamlet
Animal Husbandry
Apiary
Food Agriculture
Herb Fields
Horse Husbandry
Textile Agriculture
Burn down the town and raid the Kingswood for a game preserve tier
Fur Trade

>>4212646
how badly is a magistrate going to clash with the black market though?
>>4212443
>>4212489
okay, forget about >>4212055
my vote is
>Bring the whole lot of them in and formally relieve the unit of their duties. You won’t accept this at all.
use points to train the crossbows to partly compensate for loss of quantity; put the rest towards some sort of production holding, we don't really need to be spending power on Law directly if we can decrease lawlessness by decreasing unemployment
but ser Duncan simply must be drained of intel and hanged high. treason is treason.

>>4212740
Glassworks still looks best, there's the synergy with rum

>>4212761
>how badly is a magistrate going to clash with the black market though?
In theory, very little since he should be enforcing what you tell him to enforce as a servant of your house. But that's just in theory. If he gets overzealous, then it's up to you on how you want to handle it.

>>4212766
Glassworks, Apiary, and Herb Fields all have the potential for synergy with your rum operation. I don't think I've mentioned any besides Glassworks, but the other two are also viable if you're looking to build tall on this.

>>4212792
>Glassworks, Apiary, and Herb Fields
you prob answered this before, but how many of these can we fit in on our island?

>>4212806
3 total, but only 1 slot is left open. You can have 1 estate holding per domain. Stormgrave contains 3 domains, but 1 is occupied by the mines and the other by the farms (food agriculture holding). The only domain that doesn't have an estate holding attached is the domain with the hamlet on it.

Glassworks would improve your production while the Apiary and Herb Fields would improve on quality/flavor. The only difference between the latter two would be the sort of flavor you're going for with sweetness vs spices. A sort of Reach vs Dorne situation like with wines.

>>4211891
Just caught up with the archives. Great quest, Bogg.

Now, i'm a bit confused as to the explanation here. I'll admit that i don't tend to remember the names and relations of characters mentioned out of hand, but i don't recall ever hearing about this Hugh Rambton before, and Cerelle isn't being very clear here about his relevance.
Is the implication that Hugh is currently serving in the garrison, and leaking inside information to his father, with Duncan looking the other way? If that's the case, i believe that the best option may not be to scour the guard force, but to make an agreement with Duncan.
These hundred men are native to the isle, and will have families and friends across its entirety. Parents, siblings, neighbors and children won't believe some lordling who they havent seen for a decade over their own family, especially not in a society as small as this. If we execute even half of the force, we will have a rebellion on our hands, charm or not, and sure, we can slaughter the majority of the islands population with our heavy regiments, but what then? We need the smallfolk happy and working if we are to feed ourselves and our army, not six feet under.
I'd suggest we instead put our considerable charisma to work and exercise some soft power. First step will be to get our knight to spill the beans, which shouldn't be much harder than getting him dead drunk and probing him until he slips up. Then we will need to get a clearer grasp on the situation. Duncan will know what exactly is going on, and who is in on it. If members of the garrison have been comitting criminal acts against the townsfolk, we'll need to talk with potential witnesses and learn the smallfolks current understanding of the situation. The guardsforce could easily have manipulated the narrative and given them the impression that any such acts were comitted on our orders, and we will need to prove the opposite by harshly punishing the offenders. Execution is an option, but only for those whom our people have seen abusing their power.

Finally, we will need to stabilise our hold on the region. We are going to have to send in our regiments, which might cause some friction with the locals, but hopefully the return to order will outweigh the presence of foreign armed men in the town. This is all going off of current information, of course, and any new insights that changes the situation will have to be taken into account as it is unearthed

>>4212833
What exactly do we use in our rum? Will we be able to produce most raw materials locally, or will trading with Essos be necessary for certain spices and fruits?

>>4212853
>Just caught up with the archives. Great quest, Bogg.
Thanks!
>i don't recall ever hearing about this Hugh Rambton before, and Cerelle isn't being very clear here about his relevance.

This is the first he's been mentioned. Hugh is squiring for his uncle, Ser Hubard Rambton, a sworn sword of Lord Guncer Sunglass. He's not on the island. Cerelle's issue is that she was able to find this much out by deep diving through old letters and records in the castle and there is no reasonable excuse why Duncan wouldn't know this if he has been serving on this island for his whole life because Hugh would legally be the grandson of the old ruler of this island. The only grandson at that, considering the rest of the male line has been extinguished. Based on that, his questionable narrative of events, and his old allegiances, she thinks he must be covering things up even if he isn't directly spying.

>>4212857
You can get the basics going locally from sugar beets and the like produced on your farms. The distillery should be up and running in another 10 months. The quality of rum produced would be in 3 stages. Common, Superior, Extraordinary. You'll need a product from another estate to add in to get to Superior (produced locally or brought in by trade, up to you guys). You'll also need an artisan craftsman to get the rum to extraordinary quality, but that's my rule for any product. I plan on going into more detail in story, but figured this much is fair to share so you guys can plan ahead a little.

Glass Industry G&S
Requirements: Small Town or larger community & Coast.
Investment: 10 Wealth
Time: 2d6 Months
Bonus: House Fortune +1, Wealth +1

Description: Your community is home to industrial glassmakers. Large panes of architectural glass are their main commodity, with trade they are able to produce stained glass of various colors.

I like the idea of Glassworks. Cause it brings an industry that existed before. Bringing work and those who still remember the industry a remembrance of peaceful times.
But 10 wealth for the industry seems ridiculously expensive. For essentially a 1 wealth gain. It doesn't make sense mechanically for the game. Yeah we gain the synergy but still. On top of that doesn't seem we get a discount on a glass maker personage or any upgrade options. While also only being purchasable till small town.
I REALLY do enjoy the idea of of creating our own stuff. And bringing back an industry to the island. But seems overly expensive.
What do you all think?
>>4212876
Would glass still be an upgrade, even if its only esthetically? I can see how it could since it would still make our goods more appealing.