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Post by Father on Jul 28, 2019 0:18:13 GMT 1
As Daeron might suspect to be a pattern, his pale brother seems to know exactly where to find him and when he has a moment to spare, one might wonder whether Bloodraven takes pains to make it seem so, it is mere coincidence or he truly does know. Nevertheless, the ghastly unnatural tone of his skin and blood red eyes would make most men find him uncomfortable face to face even without such mystery about him. "Ser Daeron, might I have a moment of your time?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 28, 2019 4:09:20 GMT 1
He waves his hands in front of his body in polite concession, but his tone is acerbic at best.
"I feel that you are going to take it regardless, so go ahead and ask me whatever it is you want from me so I can go ahead and turn you down."
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Post by Father on Jul 28, 2019 13:17:34 GMT 1
"Well, I do imagine that a knight of Kingsbridge might find common cause with myself when it comes to the fate of Ser Otho Bracken, despite any other differences we might have." Bloodraven's voice and face is almost free of any emotion, as if he is detached from any personal investment in his cause, and merely following a purpose through cold calculation. Though it is hard to shake the feeling that he already knows what Daeron will answer. "Or am I wrong in that?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 28, 2019 19:52:25 GMT 1
Despite his efforts, Daeron is unable to keep a straight face, especially to a keen observer such as Bloodraven, and half of a wicked grin creeps across his face before returning to the corner of his mouth.
“I imagine that we have similar hopes for Ser Otho’s fate, but what is it that you think you can offer me that will speed him to such a fate?”
His tone is wary, Bloodraven is perhaps the most dangerous and subtle of the King’s servants, but the opportunity to bring Otho to justice for his crimes against Kingsbridge, and decency as a whole, piqued his interest.
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Post by Father on Jul 28, 2019 21:23:22 GMT 1
"If he is to be put down like the mad dog he is, someone must be there to do it" Bloodraven answers dryly. "I believe I have a way, ser, but I am sure you remember quite vividly what it took to subdue him at Highgarden. And all it takes is for a knight compelled by his sense of honor to take him captive and ransom should he yield upon the battlefield." Not that many, even as a group, was strong enough to withstand the Brute of Bracken, and many of those, Daeron knows, would give quarter if asked. But still it is likely that Bloodraven does not strictly need Daeron for it, though one could not possibly ever have too many swords for a task like this. Initiative: 7d6k5 21Free Deception: 6d6k4 22 3 DoS, for +1 ID/Composure and +2 on passives ID: 17 Composure: 16 DR: 4 Objective (Bargain): In short, he offers to put Daeron on the "kill Otho Bracken"-squad in the upcoming conflict, if Daeron would only sign up with Blackwoods in the upcoming conflict. Can drop the intrigue and play it however you like, in terms of what he asks from an OOC perspective, this will probably upend so much of Daeron's story participation that it's a very big ask (same reason as various drawbacks are suspended in the recruitment event, IC it's probably a big enough ask that Daeron can get a +6 ID bonus against that objective and ignore avaricious penalties.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 29, 2019 2:32:19 GMT 1
Daeron's face betrayed.. disappointment? He wanted to fuck up Otho for daring to murder a Companion of Kingsbridge, but he couldn't betray his cause and convictions. If he was to take up service with House Blackwood nobody in their right minds, of either faction, would trust him ever again. But there were other options...
"For a man so wise I am surprised that you present to me an offer that I cannot accept. You know as well as I that I would not be trusted among House Blackwood's forces and I would be a pariah in all other circles as well.
I wish to see Otho dead, but I will not betray my convictions."
He muses for a moment, the gears turning in his head.
"Who is the most discrete of your informants within our camp?" He waves his hand to cut off objections, "I know you have them, I just need to know who I can use to deliver a message."
We can play it as an intrigue, but Daeron's vindictiveness and sense of "justice" will probably see it through, he's just not likely to join Team Blackwood to see Otho dead. Doesn't mean that there aren't other options though.
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Post by Father on Jul 29, 2019 13:07:39 GMT 1
"Distrusted, perhaps? Though I think none would mistake you for a spy in their midst, or one who would betray the cause he has joined." Bloodraven doesn't comment on the pariah parts, though a faint whiff of dismissal as to the notion that the opinions of such circles are anything to heed. "I do happen to have friends here and there in The Reach, shared friends with our half-brother, the king, and known as such, Lords Caswell, Hunt and Oldflowers for example, or Ser Robert Rowan, any of these should be able to accommodate your needs" Notably, he seems unwilling to give up the names of anyone who were like to quite willingly pass on anything of interest to their loyalist allies.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 29, 2019 16:12:55 GMT 1
Daeron seemed similarly dismissive of Bloodraven's friends.
"Fine, then the name of your most disposable informant. It matters little to me.
There is a likely chance that I will hold a commanding position for the Brackens should I decide to join them, one in which I would know the movements of Otho, or even be able to control them myself. With that information it would not be difficult for the Ironhand and his riders to eliminate the Brute."
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Post by Father on Jul 29, 2019 19:04:57 GMT 1
"If it only was that simple." Bloodraven shrugs. "I know exactly where he will be, the problem is getting to him without adding bigger problems than him, I don't deal in poison and daggers in the night, there is enough false rumors of such as it is that I don't want any true ones to add to them."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 29, 2019 20:07:26 GMT 1
Daeron tucks away those nuggets of information away in his mind, surely they’d come in handy later if Bloodraven was telling the truth.
“Then what exactly is it you want me to do that doesn’t involve me openly undermining the cause which I have worked tirelessly to support? Otho’s chances of survival are significantly smaller with me riding with House Bracken.”
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Post by Father on Jul 30, 2019 13:03:42 GMT 1
"Are they, ser?" Bloodraven raises an eyebrow. "I think they would be smaller with no Wildfyre to inspire more men at Ser Otho's side, either directly or by forcing the Brackens to spread their forces thinner. Doubly so, should you take and others you inspire wait for him across the battlefield. Of course, if you should imply to me that you would like to seek out the man where none might witness what transpires at your meet, you might wish to examine your boots for a piece of paper each morning."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jul 31, 2019 3:19:26 GMT 1
He holds up a hand, almost to repel the sorcerer.
“Let there be no illusions. We are not friends and should war break out along the Red Fork I will likely lend my blade to the Brackens, just not to all of them in the same way.
I will consent to cooperate with you in bringing the Brute to justice for the crimes he has committed against House Starling, but nothing else.”
He turns his left heel towards Bloodraven showing him a small gap where the leather is beginning to separate between the inner and outer layers, the perfect spot to leave any missives.
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Post by Father on Jul 31, 2019 11:54:38 GMT 1
"If we could have ended him in a melee, we would have done so already" Bloodraven comments with no emotion in his voice upon Daeron mentioning justice. He does take note of the gap in the boot.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Aug 1, 2019 3:37:58 GMT 1
"The melee is Otho's natural environment. There's enough honor among its combatants for him to be able to walk away alive once he's defeated, but it's dangerous enough for him to get away with his outrages.
He will only be more dangerous on a battlefield, but his enemies will not be restrained by him yielding should they decide to not take him alive. He is dangerous, but not invincible, especially if his allies "get lost" on their way to back him up.
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Post by Father on Aug 1, 2019 12:26:19 GMT 1
"That would undeniably be unfortunate for The Brute" He agrees on that account.
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