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Post by Father on Jan 5, 2020 10:53:40 GMT 1
Sum of products: 15+16+6+5+20+1+10+15+30+12=130 Sum of Persuasion/status: 5+8+2+5+5+1+5+5+5+3=44 Weighted DoS: 2.95
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Post by Father on Jan 16, 2020 0:00:31 GMT 1
A stout inn with a stone fence, the Green Door Inn has oft been an oasis of calm amid the troubles, squeezed between the domains of Blackwoods and Brackens, while situated on Blackwood lands they are typically considered neutral grounds on account of it's original construction under the Justmans to serve the travellers on the kingsroad, though it has not been free of the feud and have been occupied by one side or the other over the ages, but nominally it is not really under anyone's protection and pays no tithes to any lord, but both the neighboring houses have held to a silent agreement of protecting it from outlaws and outsiders all the same. It was burnt to the ground during the reign of King Viserys, most are blaming Blackwoods or Brackens according to their inclinations, Septon Eustace names it an attempted assassination on Prince Aemon, suggesting that his uncle, Prince Daemon was the mastermind. Whereas Mushroom attributes the attack to members of House Wyl hoping to set Targaryen against Targaryen.
This history did not prevent Lord Blackwood from dispatching men under the command of Ser Simon Tarly to capture the nieces of Lord Bracken who had taken refuge here, avoiding outlaws and broken men, were it not for Bloodraven's many eyes, they might have managed to remain undetected until their path to safety again would be open, but alas, no. Though captivity is usually a reasonably comfortable affair for hostages of such importance, a mere inconvenience. But not so when Ser Simon and his men helped themselves to the contents of the Green Door Inn's wine cellar and pantry, blood rushing from the short battle against the protector's of the ladies and the drink doing it's fiendish work, the innkeepers daughters were the first to suffer, then the handmaids. Had it stopped there, none would have raised much of an eyebrow at the tale.
But Lord Blackwood's rage is in dire need of tempering as the two ladies of high birth, even if from hated Stone Hedge, are brought before him looking despondent and broken, tearfully recounting how Ser Simon only made them watch at first, but only so long as Simon was sufficiently sober to remember that they were his charges, by the end of the night, they would join their handmaids, as the Tarly scion's last words before his ability to voice an opinion with more words than in it than he could count on his hands before starting over again retired for the night was that as the seven made no difference between highborn and commoner, neither should he.
Ser Simon names them liars, and many in Lord Blackwood's halls are quite willing to believe that Brackens would put on such an act to perhaps be freed out of sympathy or sow dissent among their ranks, a disturbing number nods in approval to Ser Ulbert's suggestion that the two girls should be passed around the camp along with the rest of the whores, acceptable if uttered in the beer tent in the evening perhaps, not quite so when voiced in their presence and with apparent intent to physically examine the "merchandise" more thoroughly when stopped by Bloodraven placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
The Knights of the Mander, considerably more familiar with Ser Simon and much less judgmental towards Stone Hedge, finds the account of the ladies far more believable. A few are calling for his gelding, which seems to suit Lord Blackwood's instincts just fine. An alternative, more pragmatic point of view is also voiced, after all, as The Green Door Inn belongs to no lord, this technicality would allow the Lord Blackwood to defer the matter to Riverrun, or perhaps the Iron Throne. The politically astute would easily conclude that this would let Ser Simon walk free as the king's representative will have no desire to offend House Tarly. Lord Blackwood, however, is a young man, clean shaven because his facial hair is yet a pitiful thing, with a boy's simple views of right and wrong. He might easily be convinced that the accusations against Ser Simon warrants a trial, and failing that, shaming him in front of his men might yield similar results.
Challenge: Optional Awareness (Empathy) TN 8, gain +1 per DoS to the simple intrigue test if desired: -Success: Discern that Simon is lying. -Simple Failure: Unable to determine who is telling the truth. -Critical Failure: You believe Simon's version.
Optionally call for a trial to be held: Audience TN 18 Simple Intrigue (Convince) TN 16 -A single character succeeding on both tests is sufficient to make a trial happen. Critical failure: -2 Disposition from House Blackwood. OR: Simple Intrigue (Taunt) vs crowd TN 13, +3 TN if having attempted the above method first (other way around not possible). -Suffer -2 Disposition from Houses Blackwood and Tarly, -5 from Simon. -A single character succeeding is sufficient to make a trial happen. -Critical failure: -1 influence.
Consequences: +2 VP to House Blackwood -Simon gains the ignoble drawback regardless of outcome. -5 Counts of war crimes unless Simon is properly punished (Gelding or the Wall) -If Simon is punished, he becomes a Fire Supporter and leaves the Blackwood campaign. -If Simon is sentenced to Gelding (or takes the black for absolution), the faction point cost to sway members of House Tarly towards fire is halved (round up), while swaying them towards blood will cost double. -If Blackwoods defers the matter to the Iron Throne, the faction point cost to turn members of House Tarly sympathetic to blood is reduced by one (to minimum one). -Should Simon be acquitted in a trial, the count of war crimes against him may be reduced or even ignored if it can be successfully established that it was "fair". Depending on the circumstances, this could possibly also count as deferring the matter to the Iron Throne as far as the Tarly opinions are concerned. -Simon gains +1 Blood, another +1 Blood if he is not punished, an additional +1 Blood if Blackwoods manage to avoid war crimes entirely.
Considerations for Qualities Impatient: -1D on the empathy test, but if this turns a simple failure into a critical failure, you may treat it as a simple failure. Optionally, you may forego the awareness test and conclude however way you prefer (proud and inviting Simon might nudge towards not wanting to believe him a rapist). Prejudiced (Cruelty): Ulbert goes on the list for his comments. Prejudiced (Sinners): Simon goes on the list as he doesn't deny raping the smallfolk. Vainglorious: Optionally makes you inclined to seek out Simon to say a few choice words in public about how well he upholds the charge to protect all women (simple intrigue (taunt) to provoke a challenge to the duel), one might also consider calling out Ulbert for his insults delivered to the Bracken ladies, drawback not necessarily required. In Simon's case, it would be prudent to wait until any trials are resolved.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 16, 2020 1:03:39 GMT 1
Blackwood War Council: Empathy: 5d6k3 17 2 DoS for +2 Blackwood War Council: Audience Test: 6d6k4+5 20Blackwood War Council: Convince +2 DoS Awareness: 4d6+2 16Success on Both Tests, Bring on a trial
Robyn was disgusted. His hands were clenched tight as the accusations were brought forward, and he was not subtle in letting his emotions show through as he stared at Ser Simon, eyes piercing into a man that he convinced to join the Blackwood front. He felt personally responsible, in a sense, for if he hadn't invited the scoundrel then perhaps these atrocities wouldn't have occurred at all. His thoughts swirled rampantly around the memories of what had occurred to Lady Falyse's handmaids, and seeing the two Bracken girls in the state that they were in was the only convincing Robyn needed to speak up. He stood, proudly, looking at Simon once more before turning to Lord Blackwood, "My lord, if you let this drunken, dishonorable knight walk free, what president are we setting for the rest of your men? Are the accusations that absurd, against a man who would challenge a Lady's honor after being turned down from his intoxicated propositions?" He then look to the ladies, smiling softly at them, hoping to let them know that someone is on their side. His voice remains level as he speaks, taking a softer tone, " Despite their family lineage, the ladies are of noble birth and wouldn't lie about such a heinous act. As a knight, it is our responsibility to protect women, and bringing Simon to justice is your duty now that he has broken that vow. A trial is the only just end,"
He stares, too, at Ser Ulbert, giving a slight sneer to him, "I respect you, and your skill on the field. And in most cases we share the same beliefs. But the words you speak do you a great disservice, and certainly tarnish the Ironhand with Simon's filth," He had no intention of challenging him, hell, he didnt have that much of a death wish. But he wouldnt let such a statement go unaddressed.
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Post by Davos Dayne on Jan 16, 2020 17:15:41 GMT 1
Davos puts his hand on Robyn's shoulder, an unintentional mirroring of Bloodraven and the Ironhand, the rage kindling in his chest toward the Tarly scion leading him to grip a bit tighter than he intended. "Ser Ulbert, my nephew is young,impetuous, and a bit naive - and still grieving for the loss of his sister. I hope a man of your caliber can see to forgiving his rash words."True though they may be, the last thing we need is infighting - and I'd not want to see Robyn face the Ironhand in a duel of 'honor'.He turns his attention to Lord Blackwood. "My lord, as I said, my nephew is young and naive - but he is not wrong. To avert one's eyes, feigning ignorance, to allow such wrongdoing to flourish, that is the Bracken way, is it not? That is what led to this war, no?"He shakes his head disapprovingly. "My lord, make no mistake - this decision is as important to the war effort as any castle or army. Whether it be Lord Paramount or King, the final battleground will be a noble court, a judgement made weighing House Blackwood and House Bracken. The words of a just lord will carry greater weight than those of one whose name is tainted by ill-deeds."
Rolls included mostly for the chance of crit-fail shenanigans, and on the off chance that they might come into play in the (inevitable?) trial by combat. BWC/Tarly Awareness(Empathy) TN 8: 4d6k3+5 22 3 DoS BWC/Tarly Audience: 5d6k4+4 15 +3 for Awareness result = 18 1 DoS TWC/Tarly Audience Lucky: 5d6k4+4+3 24 Still 2 DoS BWC/Tarly Simple Intrigue (Convince) TN 16: 4d6k4+3 21 2 DoS
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Post by Father on Jan 16, 2020 23:15:54 GMT 1
Lord Blackwood needs very little convincing to decide that the accusations of highborn ladies, Brackens or no, requires proper judicial examination under the laws of gods and men. Several in the hall have already condemned him, though a sizeable minority thinks the only sin he might have committed is to lie about his deeds, others again cares less about what Ser Simon deserves and more about how his powerful father might react. For some, the promise of glory facing and defeating a knight of Ser Simon's caliber in a trial by combat takes charge of their thoughts, most, however, would conclude that Ser Simon would emerge victorious.
Optional cunning (Logic) TN 9, succeeding will grant hints as to how a trial might play out, and the consequences for various results. Higher DoS might offer more hints. Optionally test: Audience TN 16 Simple Intrigue (Convince) TN 16 -Success on both tests: Be considered to represent the Bracken ladies in the trial, narrator whim ultimately decides, higher total DoS can't hurt in the selection (audience probably weighted higher). Qualities:Impatient: -1D applies on the cunning test. True Knight: Comes into play if the above awareness test is taken, granting the dedication bonus as a lady's champion to all tests involving representing them on a success (and inflicting the -1D on a critical failure). NPC's having a go at cunning: Maester w/Bloodraven assist,Ulbert, Aerion, Rhys, Morgarth.: 6d6k4+3 22 4#3d6 9 8 12 13
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 16, 2020 23:31:44 GMT 1
Blackwood War Council: Logic -1D Impatient: 3d6k2 8 Simple Failure Blackwood War Council: Audience Test: 6d6k4+5 15 Simple Failure Blackwood War Council: Convince: 4d6 20Damn, that audience test couldn't have gone worse. Well, at least he tried.
Robyn speaks up, and, while giving a solid argument, not too many seem to listen. They know his opinion on the matter, but after speaking out as he did, it would be for the best if he didn't defend the ladies in the trial, despite his willingness and intense drive to do so. Best to leave it to someone with a more elegant use of words, and probably someone with more information than his blind faith and building hatred towards Simon.
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Post by Davos Dayne on Jan 17, 2020 0:30:47 GMT 1
Davos considers whether or not he should throw offer to face the rapist... he might be able to defeat Ser Simon with swords, but with lances he would likely be at a severe disadvantage against a skilled jouster. I need to get back into form for jousting now that I am in the north. BWC/Tarly Cunning (Logic) TN 9: 4d6k3 9 1 DoS Miiight roll the audience test.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jan 17, 2020 6:55:42 GMT 1
If Tarly is lying: [P3 Blackwood Council/Tarly] Awareness v. TN 8: 4d6 13 - 2 DoSHow a trial might go: [P3 Blackwood Council/Tarly] Cunning v. TN 9: 3d6 12 - 1 DoSSelf Imposed Self Control check, for Mikel to restrain himself against rising to challenge (attempt to): [P3 Blackwood Council/Tarly] Self Control Test, Will(ded) v. TN 15: 5d6k4 18 - 1 DoS Mikel had come late but it was a simple matter and knew what was going on within moments of arriving. He was not surprised to hear the accusations but remained silent and watched how things progressed, watching Simon as he listened to what was being said. When Lord Blackwood made his suggestion Mikel was surprised, but remained quiet. Why should I stay and fight for him? He thought. Bracken and Blackwood, maybe they are just one and the same. Explains why one family hasn't managed to end this feud in the centuries its been waged. Pathetic. Shaking away his own thoughts he brought his attention back to the room where it had been decided to take the matter to formal trial. "Should have just hung him or gave him over to the Brackens." After that he simply followed that which came next. The murmurings of a trial by combat grew louder and Mikel remembered how skilled Ser Simon was. Between a trial and a trial by combat things aren't looking to bad for him. He paid particular attention to who might challenge, and considered volunteering himself if he felt Simon held advantage over them.
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Post by Davos Dayne on Jan 17, 2020 17:39:52 GMT 1
Davos felt a bit sick inside.
It seems like once again, what is right will be discarded in favor of what is expedient. It is true that a small injustice now and again can prevent even greater suffering later, but is that really what is going on here? It doesn't seem like it... but what can I do about it? If I believed the gods truly meddled in every such trial... but I don't. If I volunteered it would not likely change the outcome, except that I would be the one wearing further badges of this injustice, and that might prevent me from actually doing good later.
He sighs, quietly enough that none, save maybe his nephew next to him, could hear.
It seems like once again, I discard what is right in favor of what is expedient.
In his minds eye he sees a disdainful look on his deceased wife's face, the sort she gave him so often when he was courting her.
You were right all along, Alia. I guess I really am just another western barbarian.
Davos will not be volunteering.
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Post by Roland Cordwayner on Jan 18, 2020 1:21:25 GMT 1
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Post by Father on Jan 19, 2020 10:58:37 GMT 1
Mmm. -Representation here does not necessarily mean in trial by combat, more like their advocate in the trial, although it does make one more likely to influence the choice of champion if it comes to that, and politics might still enter the picture to bypass an otherwise successful roll (because the powers that be are not very interested in Roland vs Simon). Just to be clear. -It doesn't seem right to me to use Starling influence on this with all the decision makers back at Kingsbridge and Daeron in the other camp, Roland's presence here would be interpreted as a personal bit of errantry.
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Post by Father on Jan 23, 2020 15:14:48 GMT 1
Missions available for act 2: The Taking of Warrior's Seat Pillage and Plunder King of the ashes Broken Lands Easy Pickings
Missions attempted: Damsels in Distress (2VP) Scorched Earth (5 Blood) The Knight of Brackford (10 Strength) A little more red in the fork (50 Strength, 2 Blood) Traitor's rewards (15VP, 1 Blood) 17 VP, 60 Strength, 8 Blood across 5 characters is 3.4 VP, 12 Strength, 1.6 Blood.
(NPC mission choices will probably aim to bring the averages for Blackwood and Bracken characters to the same levels, though this may or may not be feasible, and odds are that PC's are more effective than off-screen NPC's.
Should the achievable points from missions differ significantly from the original outline, the averages will be revised).
PC's are encouraged to indicate their top picks for act 2, allowing for greater time to do event design. It is possible to change one's mind if more enticing options are added or things like wounds alter the calculations.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jan 23, 2020 15:46:27 GMT 1
Taking the Warriors Seat is my top choice for Act 2
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Post by Davos Dayne on Jan 23, 2020 16:02:45 GMT 1
For clarification: the commander role for Warrior's Seat is distinct from the adventure role? In other words, could someone on the adventure also be the commander?
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Post by Father on Jan 24, 2020 21:54:37 GMT 1
Distinct, yes.
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