Post by Father on May 3, 2019 13:18:27 GMT 1
The tale of Ser Rennifer's villainy in his duel against Ser Daemon spreads far and wide, as does the vile acts against Lady Lysette that forced it. Wicked tongues suggests that it was all Bloodraven's doing, using Lysette to bait Lord Eldon into setting forth his blackguard to answer her insults, and surely Blackfyre would offer to stand for her. Ser Daemon would fight with honor to the last, and clearly, Ser Rennifer would not. A plot to assassinate he who should be king seems ever more likely with each new drink. Wise and rational men do not see how the king could have chosen differently, but many of them sees opportunities to shape the minds of men in their favour. No man could fight so nobly and survive the vile treachery of Ser Rennifer The Vile without his hand being guided by The Warrior. And that a true king would have ensured that the blackguard received such punishment as is only just is a tale oft repeated.
Some prominent Blackfyre supporters, chief among them Ser Daeron Wildfyre appears to have called for the abolishing of the sacred right to Trial by Combat as enshrined in the ancient customs of the First Men as well as in The Seven Pointed Star, though the latter only affords such rights to knights and their wives and daughters. Most Blackfyre supporters merely see the mummer's farce of a trial as further proof of King Daeron's weakness, how he will sacrifice justice for peace and make a mockery of a holy duel to avoid antagonizing some fat lord resembling the foul father which he did much to distance himself from. Other voices speak of the ancient custom of trial of seven, not invoked in Targaryen times but for the one occasion where King Maegor The Cruel himself met the challenge from Ser Damon Morrigen. A custom that is subject to mixed opinions given how it usually had been invoked by The Warrior's Sons, and all but the most powerful of lords could muster seven knights to face the champions of that order, largely viewed as a way for those with the clout to assemble seven highly capable knights to impose their will upon those who could not.
In any case, word of this potentially new threat appears to have reached Longtable, where Lord Eldon has been busy granting land to a swellsword captain and other honors upon the lieutenants of the company as well as knighting deadly warriors from Essos, some not likely understanding the words of the knighting, or even following The Seven to begin with. Allegedly this is to fill such space in his household left empty at the riots at Highgarden, and what honorable men would offer him their service to begin with? But it does provided him with a roster of seven dark champions of his own should the need arise. Lord Eldon does appear to have the clout to field seven deadly champions of his own, and surely he might attract vile and opportunistic men to his cause.
The joy arising from the news of Ser Roland's safe recovery after being sent to the care of Archmaester Ambrose of the silver mask upon young Lady Janna's insistence proves short-lived as Lord Ilyn Cordwayner chokes on a chicken bone and is claimed by the stranger. His bones are interred in the family crypt after lying in state in the castle sept, his son, half-brother and sworn swords standing vigil through the night before Septon Lewys officiates his last rites and sermon. A double tragedy striking the house as young Lord Quentyn Cordwayner is left without his beloved betrothed. After seven days of mourning, he rides to Highgarden to bend his knee and say his vows of fealty as bannerman of Highgarden. The haste in which he so did is somewhat curious, as Lord Leo would surely permit a delay until the next time he holds court more than two moon's turns away. Such a thing is hardly unheard of, but most lords needs time to settle into their seats and manage the transition, especially if it was as unexpected as this. Wicked tongues suggests that as it was Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn ruling Hammerhaal before Lord Ilyn's death, and that they are like to continue so doing, this matters little. Cynics might point out that such haste might be explained by a desire to head off any claims by Lord Quentyn's uncle, given the rumors of his illegitimacy.
Lady Ashara's bones are brought to Starkwood, despite Allyria's protests that her daughter would want to be buried at the Water Gardens. But Starkwood bones should rest in the Starkwood crypt, Ulbert insists, as it always has been, as it always will be. This might perhaps mark the first occasion in which the Grand Sept of our Father Above has had fewer empty seats than occupied ones as Queen Mariyah has chosen to honor Lady Ashara with her presence. Her company includes Ser Roger Dayne and Ser Doran Martell of the Kingsgard, The Great Bastard Ser Brynden Rivers, Lord Thaddeus Rowan, Ser Willas Tyrell, Lord Armond Caswell, Lord Wyman Webber, scores of knights, some hoping to impress The Queen or the lords in her company, some wanting to see that fabled Sept in the woods, a scant few perhaps motivated by duty and honor, most of their number comes simply because that is where their lords are taking them. A grand procession lead by Septon Forrest winds it's way from the steps of the sept in the dusk as is the Starkwood custom, with a hundred torches lining the way to the crypt below the castle where the bones of Ashara are interred for her final earthly rest.
For many a moon's turn, nothing is seen or heard of Lady Tanselle Hutcheson after she shamed and dishonored herself at the Black Tourney, no news would seem to be good news throughout that time, for a bastard in the belly would be the most likely word to be spread of her if none at all. Alas, there are news and even worse than feared. Lady Tanselle was struck with a sudden affliction and died shortly thereafter. Maester Ronnel comments dryly that it sounds suspiciously like the effects of the dose of moon tea needed to force a miscarriage once the growing belly no longer can be concealed. Lord Hutcheson should have forced her to drink a cup before departing Highgarden he notes.
Some happier news peers through all these black clouds, word from Sunhouse of Lady Jeyne Cuy's pregnancy spreads joy, finally it seems that Lord Lancel might have an heir. Though wicked tongues suggests that now that it has finally been established that she is not barren, it must be his performance that is at fault. Taking note that she is rumored to have lain with both Ser Parmen Redwyne and Ser Balon Blackbriar at the Black Tourney, as both men are brown of hair like Lord Lancel, the child might never hear the end of it. That the marriage between Lord Benjen Willum and Lady Perianne Beesbury occurs without incident is also listed, as if "without incident" swiftly becomes the best one dares hope for of any occasion.
The Starkwoods leads on in the march of betrothals, invitations to Goldengrove for the upcoming wedding of Ser Symon with Lady Jeyne Rowan are sent out, the announcement of the betrothal of Ser Aerion Flowers to Lady Victaria Rhysling were mostly forgotten on account of what else transpired at Summerhall, but those with an interest in such nonetheless takes note that with the announcement of the joust at Kingsbridge to honor the marriage of Lady Lysette to Ser Aemon Flowers, the list of lady heiresses and regnants with hands yet unspoken for is growing short for those who might seek to marry themselves into a lordship.
Surprising most of the realms who had no foreknowledge, Lord Walgrave appears to have launched an expedition into the Red Mountain to hunt some new Vulture King that nobody had even noticed. The old man does not appear to find such a bandit leader at all. A disturbing coincidence is the disappearance of Ser Vorian Dayne with retinue in the same area at roughly the same time as Lord Oakheart is believed to have prowled. Many wonder if that is no coincidence at all. Both Lord Tyrell and King Daeron are said to be furious at Lord Walgrave marching into the Red Mountains far from his own lands without so much as a raven informing them of his intentions, a cynic might note that if he had done so, he would have been ordered to turn around and abandon the campaign, facing censure should he ignore their commands.
Lord Desmond Bridges were buried in a simple ceremony, just how he would have wanted it, or so Lord Farman says. Lord Farman then wed Lady Alysanne Bridges in a hastily arranged ceremony with very few guests and witnesses, raising many questions as to how willingly Lady Bridges consented to the union, it is an obvious choice for consolidating their respective claims as heirs to Lord Bryce. Much confusion surrounds the matter as the shock of the size of the force that must have been needed to slaughter Lord Desmond takes time to sink in, Ser Dagos and a score of the Lord's Men at Arms. The bones of Ser Dagos are returned to Kingsgrave where he was born. Most of the knights sworn to House Bridges elects to follow the example of Ser Lyonel of the Cockleswhent in refusing to swear Lord Farman their fealty and departing.
To the disappointment of gossips everywhere, they keep the tradition of not speaking ill of those they once served. It is telling perhaps, that they mostly refuse to speak of Lord Farman at all, they find a new subject of great interest in that Lady Ysilla, Lord Farman's twin, also leaves The Laughing Stream to become a fixture at Lord Durwell's court, allegedly because Lord Durwell "Is fun and travels everywhere like grannynuncle did, and I get to come with". Speculations that she is now his paramour spreads like wildfire, though it appears to be unsubstantiated. Lord Mullendore commenting that she have categorized him as her second favorite uncle by choice, after Lord Mullendore himself of course. Lord Marq shot back that if Lord Lothor was the favorite, why did she not come to Uplands instead?
With almost all of the knights of Laughing Stream departing to seek service with lords more to their liking than Farman, an opportunity presents itself for those who see a need for more swords in their service at times such as these to recruit men of proven ability. All PC's are encouraged to post their reactions to these developments.
Restriction: While any character may make these tests, only the best result per house will attract any sworn swords. One may forego one's own attempt for assist/coordinate.
NPC Participation:
-"understaffed" PC Houses will likely have one NPC step up to partake.
Challenge
Status(Reputation)+Chivalry TN 12
Persuasion(Convince)+Chivalry TN 12
-Succeed on both tests: Gain the services of one the departing knights (a tertiary character), granting +1D to the next house fortunes test intended to raise power.
-Gain a total of 6 DoS: Additionally, gain the services of a particularly notable knight (a secondary character), granting +1 DoS towards raising power.
-Highest total DoS (at least 6, else Lord Durwell gets him, rerolls to resolve ties): The notable knight attracted is the redoubtable Ser Lyonel of the Cockleswhent. +1 Influence.
-The house gains +1 "phantom blood point" per knight recruited, this cannot be spent, but counts towards the total to determine whether or not the house leans towards Fire/Blood.
Special:
-Characters affiliated with House Starling gains +1D on the tests.
-Characters affiliated with House Levalle suffers -1D on the tests.
-Blood-aligned houses and characters gains +2 on the tests (combines to +1D for blood aligned characters from blood aligned houses).
-Fire-aligned houses and characters suffers -2 on the tests (combines to -1D for fire aligned characters from fire aligned houses).
-A point of influence spent grants +1D on the tests for all characters of that house.
-A point of glory grants +1D to your tests.
-If you assist or coordinate, any penalties you would suffer due to drawbacks or circumstances are applied to the character aided instead.
-A House may spend a Blood point before rolling to give +2 DoS to the totals of it's members.
-Characters may attempt to recruit these knights to other houses or purposes, some of the bonuses (or penalties) may not apply in this case.
Benefits/Drawback considerations:
Attractive: Gain +1b on the tests.
Charismatic: Gain +1 on the tests.
Famous: Gain +1b on the tests.
Marked: Increase the TN of the tests by 1
Lascivious (Females only): Triggers, on a failed test you must use seduce instead of convince with predictable side results (and can't offer/accept assist/coordinate).
Prejudiced (Dornish): Triggers, on a failed test you suffer -1D.
Proud: Triggers, on a failed test you may not assist or be assisted.
Some prominent Blackfyre supporters, chief among them Ser Daeron Wildfyre appears to have called for the abolishing of the sacred right to Trial by Combat as enshrined in the ancient customs of the First Men as well as in The Seven Pointed Star, though the latter only affords such rights to knights and their wives and daughters. Most Blackfyre supporters merely see the mummer's farce of a trial as further proof of King Daeron's weakness, how he will sacrifice justice for peace and make a mockery of a holy duel to avoid antagonizing some fat lord resembling the foul father which he did much to distance himself from. Other voices speak of the ancient custom of trial of seven, not invoked in Targaryen times but for the one occasion where King Maegor The Cruel himself met the challenge from Ser Damon Morrigen. A custom that is subject to mixed opinions given how it usually had been invoked by The Warrior's Sons, and all but the most powerful of lords could muster seven knights to face the champions of that order, largely viewed as a way for those with the clout to assemble seven highly capable knights to impose their will upon those who could not.
In any case, word of this potentially new threat appears to have reached Longtable, where Lord Eldon has been busy granting land to a swellsword captain and other honors upon the lieutenants of the company as well as knighting deadly warriors from Essos, some not likely understanding the words of the knighting, or even following The Seven to begin with. Allegedly this is to fill such space in his household left empty at the riots at Highgarden, and what honorable men would offer him their service to begin with? But it does provided him with a roster of seven dark champions of his own should the need arise. Lord Eldon does appear to have the clout to field seven deadly champions of his own, and surely he might attract vile and opportunistic men to his cause.
The joy arising from the news of Ser Roland's safe recovery after being sent to the care of Archmaester Ambrose of the silver mask upon young Lady Janna's insistence proves short-lived as Lord Ilyn Cordwayner chokes on a chicken bone and is claimed by the stranger. His bones are interred in the family crypt after lying in state in the castle sept, his son, half-brother and sworn swords standing vigil through the night before Septon Lewys officiates his last rites and sermon. A double tragedy striking the house as young Lord Quentyn Cordwayner is left without his beloved betrothed. After seven days of mourning, he rides to Highgarden to bend his knee and say his vows of fealty as bannerman of Highgarden. The haste in which he so did is somewhat curious, as Lord Leo would surely permit a delay until the next time he holds court more than two moon's turns away. Such a thing is hardly unheard of, but most lords needs time to settle into their seats and manage the transition, especially if it was as unexpected as this. Wicked tongues suggests that as it was Lady Maegelle and Ser Normyn ruling Hammerhaal before Lord Ilyn's death, and that they are like to continue so doing, this matters little. Cynics might point out that such haste might be explained by a desire to head off any claims by Lord Quentyn's uncle, given the rumors of his illegitimacy.
Lady Ashara's bones are brought to Starkwood, despite Allyria's protests that her daughter would want to be buried at the Water Gardens. But Starkwood bones should rest in the Starkwood crypt, Ulbert insists, as it always has been, as it always will be. This might perhaps mark the first occasion in which the Grand Sept of our Father Above has had fewer empty seats than occupied ones as Queen Mariyah has chosen to honor Lady Ashara with her presence. Her company includes Ser Roger Dayne and Ser Doran Martell of the Kingsgard, The Great Bastard Ser Brynden Rivers, Lord Thaddeus Rowan, Ser Willas Tyrell, Lord Armond Caswell, Lord Wyman Webber, scores of knights, some hoping to impress The Queen or the lords in her company, some wanting to see that fabled Sept in the woods, a scant few perhaps motivated by duty and honor, most of their number comes simply because that is where their lords are taking them. A grand procession lead by Septon Forrest winds it's way from the steps of the sept in the dusk as is the Starkwood custom, with a hundred torches lining the way to the crypt below the castle where the bones of Ashara are interred for her final earthly rest.
For many a moon's turn, nothing is seen or heard of Lady Tanselle Hutcheson after she shamed and dishonored herself at the Black Tourney, no news would seem to be good news throughout that time, for a bastard in the belly would be the most likely word to be spread of her if none at all. Alas, there are news and even worse than feared. Lady Tanselle was struck with a sudden affliction and died shortly thereafter. Maester Ronnel comments dryly that it sounds suspiciously like the effects of the dose of moon tea needed to force a miscarriage once the growing belly no longer can be concealed. Lord Hutcheson should have forced her to drink a cup before departing Highgarden he notes.
Some happier news peers through all these black clouds, word from Sunhouse of Lady Jeyne Cuy's pregnancy spreads joy, finally it seems that Lord Lancel might have an heir. Though wicked tongues suggests that now that it has finally been established that she is not barren, it must be his performance that is at fault. Taking note that she is rumored to have lain with both Ser Parmen Redwyne and Ser Balon Blackbriar at the Black Tourney, as both men are brown of hair like Lord Lancel, the child might never hear the end of it. That the marriage between Lord Benjen Willum and Lady Perianne Beesbury occurs without incident is also listed, as if "without incident" swiftly becomes the best one dares hope for of any occasion.
The Starkwoods leads on in the march of betrothals, invitations to Goldengrove for the upcoming wedding of Ser Symon with Lady Jeyne Rowan are sent out, the announcement of the betrothal of Ser Aerion Flowers to Lady Victaria Rhysling were mostly forgotten on account of what else transpired at Summerhall, but those with an interest in such nonetheless takes note that with the announcement of the joust at Kingsbridge to honor the marriage of Lady Lysette to Ser Aemon Flowers, the list of lady heiresses and regnants with hands yet unspoken for is growing short for those who might seek to marry themselves into a lordship.
Surprising most of the realms who had no foreknowledge, Lord Walgrave appears to have launched an expedition into the Red Mountain to hunt some new Vulture King that nobody had even noticed. The old man does not appear to find such a bandit leader at all. A disturbing coincidence is the disappearance of Ser Vorian Dayne with retinue in the same area at roughly the same time as Lord Oakheart is believed to have prowled. Many wonder if that is no coincidence at all. Both Lord Tyrell and King Daeron are said to be furious at Lord Walgrave marching into the Red Mountains far from his own lands without so much as a raven informing them of his intentions, a cynic might note that if he had done so, he would have been ordered to turn around and abandon the campaign, facing censure should he ignore their commands.
Lord Desmond Bridges were buried in a simple ceremony, just how he would have wanted it, or so Lord Farman says. Lord Farman then wed Lady Alysanne Bridges in a hastily arranged ceremony with very few guests and witnesses, raising many questions as to how willingly Lady Bridges consented to the union, it is an obvious choice for consolidating their respective claims as heirs to Lord Bryce. Much confusion surrounds the matter as the shock of the size of the force that must have been needed to slaughter Lord Desmond takes time to sink in, Ser Dagos and a score of the Lord's Men at Arms. The bones of Ser Dagos are returned to Kingsgrave where he was born. Most of the knights sworn to House Bridges elects to follow the example of Ser Lyonel of the Cockleswhent in refusing to swear Lord Farman their fealty and departing.
To the disappointment of gossips everywhere, they keep the tradition of not speaking ill of those they once served. It is telling perhaps, that they mostly refuse to speak of Lord Farman at all, they find a new subject of great interest in that Lady Ysilla, Lord Farman's twin, also leaves The Laughing Stream to become a fixture at Lord Durwell's court, allegedly because Lord Durwell "Is fun and travels everywhere like grannynuncle did, and I get to come with". Speculations that she is now his paramour spreads like wildfire, though it appears to be unsubstantiated. Lord Mullendore commenting that she have categorized him as her second favorite uncle by choice, after Lord Mullendore himself of course. Lord Marq shot back that if Lord Lothor was the favorite, why did she not come to Uplands instead?
With almost all of the knights of Laughing Stream departing to seek service with lords more to their liking than Farman, an opportunity presents itself for those who see a need for more swords in their service at times such as these to recruit men of proven ability. All PC's are encouraged to post their reactions to these developments.
Restriction: While any character may make these tests, only the best result per house will attract any sworn swords. One may forego one's own attempt for assist/coordinate.
NPC Participation:
-"understaffed" PC Houses will likely have one NPC step up to partake.
Challenge
Status(Reputation)+Chivalry TN 12
Persuasion(Convince)+Chivalry TN 12
-Succeed on both tests: Gain the services of one the departing knights (a tertiary character), granting +1D to the next house fortunes test intended to raise power.
-Gain a total of 6 DoS: Additionally, gain the services of a particularly notable knight (a secondary character), granting +1 DoS towards raising power.
-Highest total DoS (at least 6, else Lord Durwell gets him, rerolls to resolve ties): The notable knight attracted is the redoubtable Ser Lyonel of the Cockleswhent. +1 Influence.
-The house gains +1 "phantom blood point" per knight recruited, this cannot be spent, but counts towards the total to determine whether or not the house leans towards Fire/Blood.
Special:
-Characters affiliated with House Starling gains +1D on the tests.
-Characters affiliated with House Levalle suffers -1D on the tests.
-Blood-aligned houses and characters gains +2 on the tests (combines to +1D for blood aligned characters from blood aligned houses).
-Fire-aligned houses and characters suffers -2 on the tests (combines to -1D for fire aligned characters from fire aligned houses).
-A point of influence spent grants +1D on the tests for all characters of that house.
-A point of glory grants +1D to your tests.
-If you assist or coordinate, any penalties you would suffer due to drawbacks or circumstances are applied to the character aided instead.
-A House may spend a Blood point before rolling to give +2 DoS to the totals of it's members.
-Characters may attempt to recruit these knights to other houses or purposes, some of the bonuses (or penalties) may not apply in this case.
Benefits/Drawback considerations:
Attractive: Gain +1b on the tests.
Charismatic: Gain +1 on the tests.
Famous: Gain +1b on the tests.
Marked: Increase the TN of the tests by 1
Lascivious (Females only): Triggers, on a failed test you must use seduce instead of convince with predictable side results (and can't offer/accept assist/coordinate).
Prejudiced (Dornish): Triggers, on a failed test you suffer -1D.
Proud: Triggers, on a failed test you may not assist or be assisted.
