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Post by Father on Jun 6, 2021 23:33:24 GMT 1
Robyn certainly seems to not be alone in the yard having that opinion, some of the gathered knights and ladies have started trickling back to their tents, but all the politically minded ones remains to attempt to figure out what to think of the whole affair, to a knight yet to have soured on romantic ideals, disgustingly many appears to be more concerned with what opinion one's peers holds, just so that one may adopt the very same and thus be safely on the side of the majority...
And that's the cue for Act IV methinks.
"I have very simple desires" Ysilla shrugs. "They just change all the time, this day I want to swim, that day I want to ride, the next day I want to practice with the bow, in the evening I might want to hear a story, or dance, maybe just lean back on cushions, close my eyes and listen to sister Daena play the harp, if she is so inclined."
She casually ignores the complement, Robyn cannot tell if it did not impress her, she wants him tro try harder or simply politely gives no reaction to such an awkward attempt at wooing.
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Post by Father on Jun 7, 2021 11:11:51 GMT 1
"What do you think of all this, brother?" Ser Normyn makes his way over to Daeron as the news of Lady Wenda's arrest spread across the courtyard, it is unclear if the other Footly's have been implicated.
Avaricious will be coming into play trying to affect Daeron's Act IV choices.
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Post by Father on Jun 7, 2021 11:59:11 GMT 1
Though only silently remarking on Laena's hairstyle, Lord Marq does give her something more interesting in the form of a cryptic suggestion that there is a matter in Lord Tyrell's court that he tries to keep under wraps...some might suggest that The Longthorn simply hopes that the whole thing will fade like a bad dream, but surely the man does not lack the courage to tackle things that brings discomfort head on. So the problem much be of such a character that a wise lord will treat it with the utmost discretion. He will speak no more of it, to a casual eavesdropper, it even sounded like a random remark, perhaps an attempt to impress the Great Bastard with such insights into the Rose Court, leaving her hungry for more, he does have a well-earned reputation for using words and manners to make a lady intrigued without her being certain if she is being wooed or not. This could be all it is, or it could be something Laena would deeply regret being surprised by if she does not investigate and this she cannot know in advance without looking into it.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jun 7, 2021 23:57:03 GMT 1
He motions with his head towards the Footlys first.
"Tumbleton is conveniently located near the Iron Throne and is an easy ride for one of Bloodraven's agents. It's not hard to assume that one might have visited Lady Wenda and maybe the rest of her family promising titles, marriages, protection, or the like in exchange for the life of an Oakheart. I can't imagine that such a small, weak, house would make such a bold and open attack against a house as mighty as House Oakheart without any sort assurances. Lady Wenda at best is a dagger being used to prick a powerful lord."
He then nods towards Lord Walgrave.
"Lord Oakheart has made some powerful enemies and raised the ire of the Iron Throne, perhaps for being the only lord to join our little pocket war in the Riverlands or perhaps for some other transgression. The Crown cannot move against him openly without kicking off a real war, but they might hope to goad him into some foolish action that would give King Daeron and his supporters the justification needed to strip him of lands or send him to the Wall, or something more imaginative. Something like the murder of a favorite family member. So enraged, Lord Walgrave might be tempted to kill Lady Wenda and maybe the rest of her house in retribution, but if he does so outside of a trial he himself could be charged with being a murderer, especially because his victims are other nobles.
To me it feels like a trap. What about you brother? Do my thoughts sound logical?"
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jun 8, 2021 0:27:29 GMT 1
And that's the cue for Act IV methinks. "I have very simple desires" Ysilla shrugs. "They just change all the time, this day I want to swim, that day I want to ride, the next day I want to practice with the bow, in the evening I might want to hear a story, or dance, maybe just lean back on cushions, close my eyes and listen to sister Daena play the harp, if she is so inclined." She casually ignores the complement, Robyn cannot tell if it did not impress her, she wants him tro try harder or simply politely gives no reaction to such an awkward attempt at wooing. Bring it on
Robyn nodded along with Ysilla's words, though her lack of recognition to an off-handed compliment didnt phase his demeanor. He did perk up as she mentioned a desire for a ride, but not for the obvious innuendo that comes to mind. Robyn loves horses, and that came through as he spoke, "Freedom and relaxation. I wouldnt call those simple, they sound quite pleasant. Are you an avid equestrian? It would be an honor to take you riding through Starkwood, plenty of paths are riddled with difficulty that puts even the most adept of riders to the test,"
"Would you be up to such a challenge?"
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Post by Father on Jun 8, 2021 14:34:28 GMT 1
"I don't think it is in Bloodraven's nature to murder Arys just to make Walgrave do something stupid, the pale one is not above murder I am sure, but he does not strike me as someone to arrange for any such without having thought it through" Normyn answers dismissively. "He would seek to cut off the head of the snake, but likely stay his hand I think. For certain Ser Preston seems to have been molded into an honorable knight at The Arbor, a credit to Lord Redwyne and looks to make for a finer lord than his father, but should he come into his seat through assassination and he and others were to strongly suspect that one of those in the inner circle of The Red Keep ordered it, Bloodraven might find himself with larger problems than he might have solved"
"To me, it looks like Lady Wenda killed him without any outside involvement, and I do not think she so intended, maybe he became too forceful and in her desperation she struck him with whatever her fingers could find? He were found in the smithy, yes?"
"Maybe, but first I would have to travel long, Starkwood is deep into nowhere, is it not?" Ysilla is non-committal, maybe toying, figuring out which of those options it might be, or perhaps something entirely different, is a task for an expert of the field of girls. And even a master of that art might struggle with the curious case that is Ysilla Flowers.
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Post by Father on Jun 8, 2021 15:34:49 GMT 1
Act 4, The Court of public opinion
While there is a steady trickle of guests finding their way to their tents, any trial surely not occurring before the next day, many stay behind to gossip and to try and learn as much as they can of what just happened, some are interested in the truth, some are interested in seeing the girl hang, others would want a fair trial, and then there are those who fancy themselves players in the game of thrones, caring nothing for Lady Wenda's fate, but rather is interested in turning some advantage in the days to come. Or perhaps they do care, but would like some sort of boon to be offered for their involvement either way. For being the beating heart of chivalry in the seven kingdoms, gallantry seems to be in ever shorter supply these days.
All parts of this act are optional, one may engage in as many. NPC's with an interest in the outcome are likely to participate.
Influence the Crowd: Audience Test TN 12 Awareness (Empathy) TN 9 Simple Intrigue (Convince or Incite) TN 12 -Mark dice rolls with "Condemn", "Keep an open mind" or "Innocence". -Incite not applicable for "Keep an open mind", it grants +1D for "Condemn" and +1b for "Innocence". -Each DoS grants +1 vote in that direction. -Succeed on all three tests: +5 votes in that direction, an additional +5 if using incite. -Total votes for "Keep an open mind" is divided by 5 (Round down). -Total votes for condemn are increased by 50% (Round up). -You may take -1D on these tests to attempt to conceal your maneuvering, which is successful on a Deception (Act) TN 13, no disposition effects in this case.
Special: -If Robyn opts for Innocence and incite, he gains +1D and double votes if letting people know the state he found Wenda in and suggesting that Arys was killed in self-defense against attempted rape, this adds another -4 disposition from Walgrave. -If Balon or Laena opts for condemn and incite, they gains +1D and triple votes if letting people know that Wenda lured Arys away from the courtyard, undoubtedly with the intent to murder, Laena must succeed on a Deception (Bluff) TN 9 to portray it as such, but Balon obviously believes it to be true. -If Balon, Laena or Robyn wishes to conceal their involvement, they must instead use the below options if desiring to give testimony. -Other characters may use Deception (Bluff) TN 9 test to give false testimony, gaining +25% extra votes per DoS for innocence and +50% extra votes for condemn. -They may voluntarily raise the TN by 3 to make their false testimony more damning, gaining +1D to the tests to influence the crowd. -At narrator discretion, using these options may trigger additional NPC reactions, such as challenges to duel over "speaking ill of the dead" or other NPC's stepping forward to influence the crowd based on such new information.
Consequences: -Argue for innocence: +5 Disposition with the Footly's, -2 with Walgrave -Argue for condemn: -4 Disposition with the Footly's, +1 with Walgrave. -Argue for keeping an open mind: +3 Disposition with House Appleton, +1 with Owen Roxton, Aubrey Ambrose, Willem Starling, Redtusk, Preston Oakheart. -If using incite when arguing for innocence: -3 with Walgrave (for -5 total), -2 with House Appleton, -1 with Redtusk, House Starling, Aubrey Ambrose, Marq Durwell, Ysilla. -If using incite when arguing for condemn: -5 disposition with the Footly's (for -9 total), -2 with Houses Starkwood and Appleton, Marq Durwell, Ysilla, -1 with Redtusk, House Starling, Aubrey Ambrose.
Results: -If neither Condemn or Innocence is in a majority, Lord Addison will be inclined to find out the truth and seek to pass a measured judgement. -Otherwise, if the votes to one side are at least 50%, political considerations will pull Lord Addison towards harshness or mercy respectively. -As a rough guide, if condemn/innocence gains more than 50% of the vote, the odds of this being the outcome of the trial is shifted by (Votes for this outcome)/(Other votes), so 60% for condemn means 60/40=1.5, so the testimony and evidence in favor of condemn will be given +50% weight at the trial compared to that in favor of innocence. -Trial by combat remains a rather likely outcome, although the quality of NPC's willing to stand for either party is likely to be influenced by the mood.
Calling in favors: -Generally, getting someone preferring to be neutral to support condemnation is worth a lesser favor and a major to support innocence. -PC's should limit themselves to seeking a single NPC to offer any favors for their support, but there is no such limit for calling in favors owed. -Self-serving PC's seeking to act in a certain way in return for favors owed (or cancel out a debt) would count towards the soft limitation of seeking to offer favors. -Devious PC's attempting to gain favors from multiple NPC's or to gain favor for doing what they would anyway will need to deceive the NPC's involved.
Gauge which the way the wind is blowing: Awareness (Empathy) TN 12 Cunning (Logic) TN 12 -Success on both test: Gain +12 Prediction points. -Each Dos grants 2 prediction points. -Per critical failure: -10 Prediction points, in addition reroll the die described below and take the most extreme result.
-You attempt to assess the mood of the courtyard, you should decide before rolling whether to tell Walgrave or the Footlys or anyone else of your findings, mark in rolls if so (more complex statement of intent can also be made prior to rolling (must post somewhere before rolling, cannot edit post after rolling for this to be on the safe side)). -Calculate your "Prediction score", which is 28 minus your prediction points gained. -Now roll a dice equal to twice your prediction score, and subtract your prediction score (if score=10, then roll 1d20-10). -The result is by how many percentage points your guess differs from the total number of votes in favor of condemn. -For example, if your result is 10 and 55% of the vote is in favor of condemn, you guess that it is 65% in favor of condemn. If your result was -10, you would guess that it is 45% in favor of condemn. -Walgrave and the Footly's, informed by such an assessment, may possibly chose to take the chances of Lord Addison judgement rather than demanding trial by combat.
What's at stake? -Wenda's life, and that's pretty much it, her fate hardly matters in the great scheme of things. Lord Walgrave simply wants her head, any advantage to fire/blood would come from members of the opposing faction burning favors, influence and goodwill that could instead have been used to support the bigger cause.
Consideration for qualities: Charismatic: +1 applies to all tests to influence the crowd. Courteous: Suffer only -1b instead of -1D if trying to conceal any maneuvering. Avaricious: Someone is likely to try and tempt you into acting in a certain way by giving an offer. Decadent and failed the earlier test: This might pull you in the direction of arguing for keeping an open mind and at least not use incite, as Lord Appleton surely would prefer, but such urges are not very hard to ignore if one has one's reasons. Prejudiced: -If Wenda is on your trigger list, this attempts to compel using incite if arguing for condemnation. -If Walgrave is on your trigger list, this attempts to compel using incite if arguing for innocence. Vindictive: In the unlikely event that Wenda is on your trigger list, this attempts to compel arguing for condemning. Proud: Attempts to compel to believe that your prediction is the only one worth trusting, this applies even if you chose not to test.
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Post by Davos Dayne on Jun 8, 2021 19:50:43 GMT 1
Which Way the Wind is Blowing: Davos will report his prediction to the Footly's regardless of what the prediction is. If it is in favor of Open Mind or Innocence, he will gladly share that with Lord Appleton as well. He may share as well with PCs/others on a per person basis, tbd in roleplay/other places.
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Post by Davos Dayne on Jun 8, 2021 20:10:41 GMT 1
Davos knew, inasmuch as anyone other than Wenda could, that she was innocent. However he also knew that if she was deemed innocent without a proper and uncorupted trial there would be quite a few people that would not believe she was innocent and might take matters into their own misguided hands. He could not help but compare this situation to the sham trial of Simon Tarly, and while he felt great guilt over failing the Bracken girls he could not let himself be be swayed into corrupting the trial himself - justice had not failed, people had failed to properly implement justice. Besides, Lord Appleton seemed to be a good man, and could - hopefully - be less swayed by expedience than the young and impressionable Lord Blackwood. However, while his wife had cracked the shell of cynicism he had in the past, he was also well aware that others would not hesitate to sway the crowd to find Wenda guilty just becaue they wanted to see a Dornish girl suffer. Thus while he did his best to encourage everyone to consider the case with an open mind, he also paid a good deal of attention to what others were saying. If there was no true justice to be had here, better Wenda be protected in other ways and deal with the consequences later.
Act 4, The Court of public opinion Influence the Crowd:Appleton Influence Crowd Audience - Open Mind: 5d6k4+2 15 TN 12, 1 DoSEDIT: It has been pointed out to me (thanks Laena!) that I shorted myself on Chivalry; audience rolls should be at +4 not +2; thus 17 for 2 DoS. Math below has been adjusted. Appleton Influence Crowd Awareness - Open Mind: 4d6k3+5 20 TN 9, 3 DoS Appleton Influence Crowd Convince +1b glory - Open Mind: 5d6k4+2 19 TN 12, 2 DoS 7 total DoS, +5 for success on all 3 is 12 for "Keep an open mind" Consequences: -Argue for keeping an open mind: +3 Disposition with House Appleton, +1 with Owen Roxton, Aubrey Ambrose, Willem Starling, Redtusk, Preston Oakheart. Gauge which the way the wind is blowing:Appleton Which Way Wind - Awareness: 4d6k3+5 13 TN 12 wow, bad roll... 1 DoS. Appleton Which Way Wind - Awareness Lucky Reroll: 4d6k3+5 22 3 DoS, much better. Appleton Which Way Wind - Cunning: 4d6k3 13 TN 12, 1 DoS 4 DoS x 2 = 8, +12 for both success is 20. Prediction Score: 28-20 = 8 Appleton Which Way Wind - prediction variance: 1d16-8 -5 Not bad.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jun 9, 2021 4:40:59 GMT 1
The very idea that Arys and Wenda might have come to blows over Arys being a little handsy was not at all a conclusion that Daeron would have come to on his own. After the past year of plots, betrayals, and assassinations, he saw schemes in everyday events and in his mind they all led back to Bloodraven.
"I.. I suppose that could also be the case. A smithy would have plenty of tools around for even a slight little thing like Lady Wenda to kill a stout lad like Arys.
Something like that changes things though. A lady looking to defend her virtue against a lad is a justifiable cause for striking him, potentially even fatally. If only Magelle had been able to strike Lord Piggy so forcefully at Highgarden when he assaulted her... House Starling would never have acquired such a dangerous enemy..."
Daeron will hold off on participating in Act 4 until an interested party/parties approach him.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jun 9, 2021 6:30:40 GMT 1
"Maybe, but first I would have to travel long, Starkwood is deep into nowhere, is it not?" Ysilla is non-committal, maybe toying, figuring out which of those options it might be, or perhaps something entirely different, is a task for an expert of the field of girls. And even a master of that art might struggle with the curious case that is Ysilla Flowers. Robyn had no interest in trying to figure out what was working or what wasnt; if masters might struggle, a novice would flounder. So instead he smiled, visualizing as he painted with his words, "Some things are worth the effort, especially those that take your breath away and put you to the test. Have you ever seen the Weirwoods in person? With bark as white as winter and leaves a deeper crimson than Redtusk's cloak? And the face so lifelike you fear it might open its knotted eyelids and stare? "The path to them in Starkwood has grown old and rotten, with roots so gnarled they emerge from the soil and reach for your horse's hooves, and the underbrush comes up to even the tallest of horse's backs. Makes it very difficult to see the toppled over trunks, some 4 feet in width, and despite their deterioration are still stout enough to halt your horse and send you soaring over its head. I've seen it happen," Robyn shrugged, but sighed as he continued to visualize, "But when you get there, out of breath and thanking the Seven for a safe journey, the glade that greets you is unlike any other place in the world. Tranquil. Serene." His eyes locked with hers, "Beautiful."
"Words could never do it justice, and the only way to experience it is to earn it. If you are willing and wanting, Lady Ysilla, it would be my pleasure to go there with you,"
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jun 9, 2021 6:56:16 GMT 1
Which Way the Wind is Blowing: Robyn will inform the Footlys of any information he has, as well as Mikel, Roland, Davos. TAF: Act 4- Prejudice and Proud Resist: 2#3d6 7 12 Failure on Prejudice, pass on Proud... well, glad to see my new drawback is immediately biting me in the ass, Walgrave will have a -14 disposition after this
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Jun 9, 2021 7:36:14 GMT 1
Robyn had enough of watching people leave, too ashamed to do anything for Lady Wenda or fearful that Lord Walgrave would retaliate in some form of aggression. Or maybe they lacked the honor that Robyn so fervently believed in, despite acting as if they didn't. He couldnt tell, and frankly the muttered whispers of assumption and building condemnation were not something Redwolf could take any longer, not when he knew the truth. He searched for Lady Laena in the crowd, wondering if he should have informed her of the truth as he did with Mikel, Roland, and Davos. Too late for that now, he had let his wounded pride get in the way of reason. She was right, of course, but that didnt make coming back to her barely an hour after their conversation easy; in fact, it made it nearly impossible. But she would find out the truth as others did, and he wasnt about to hesitate again. "Valar morghulis," Robyn whispered to himself, stepping into the open space, a grim look upon his face as he informed the crowd of everything he knew.
“My lords and ladies, shame on you. I am disgusted by the sheer number of those who have left, and even more so of those that view Lady Wenda Footly as a murderer,” It was a harsh start, but Robyn didn’t care about other’s opinions at the moment. Decorum be damned; her life was on the line. He looked around at those gathered, making sure to stand tall as he made his decree, “Lady Wenda Footly is no assassin, she did not kill Arys Oakheart for political gain or whatever notions of deception that you schemers surmised as the truth. She is a girl, and her actions were in *self-defense*. Self-defense against attempted rape.”
Robyn let those words hang in the air before continuing, “I found Lady Wenda, huddled in a corner, so stricken with fear she could not move. Her clothing was tattered, her hair was disheveled, and were it not for the sound of her sobbing I would not have even realized she was there. Her eyes, when not completely avoiding my gaze, was haunted by the deed. When she finally was able to speak, it was of Arys’ forcefulness and of resignation. “She has resigned herself to *die*, repeating that there was ‘nothing that anyone could do’, before falling deathly silent. She knew that you would judge her simply because of her action, and would not even give her the chance to defend herself. She knew that you do not care for her life, and for that, again, I say, shame on you.
“Lady Wenda’s only crime is being a woman in a world that does not care for her. This is not the first time that she has been targeted by men who are unable control themselves; I am sure many of you remember when Marq Warren tried to do the same. Except, then, Ser Trystan was able to step in and protect her. No one was able to protect her this time.
“And so, she was forced to protect herself.”
Robyn shook his head, inhaling deeply, “Do not be swayed by your fear of others. Do not let Lady Wenda be right about you. We’ve all let her down already.”
With that, Robyn gave another firm gaze around the room, passing over probably more than a few sour faces. He tried to memorize where he had made an impact, and where it fell short. If the outcome didnt look good, he would start looking for friends to ask for help. Act 4: Influence the CrowdSpecial: -If Robyn opts for Innocence and incite, he gains +1D and double votes if letting people know the state he found Wenda in and suggesting that Arys was killed in self-defense against attempted rape, this adds another -4 disposition from Walgrave. TAF: Act 4- Influence Crowd: Innocence - Audience Test (+1D for Special): 7d6k5+5 26 So Close... 3 DoS TAF: Act 4- Influence Crowd: Innocence - Awareness (Empathy) (+1D for Special): 6d6k5 10 wow bad roll, 1 DoS TAF: Act 4- Influence Crowd: Innocence - Simple Intrigue (Incite) (+1D for Special, +1b for Incite): 6d6k5 23 Unaware if Chivalry applies here, if not, 3 DoS, otherwise 4 DoS. 7 Total DoS from Rolls -Succeed on all three tests: +5 votes in that direction, an additional +5 if using incite. 17 Total x 2 = 34 Votes for Innocence Call in FavorsMay do this, havent decided yet. Gauge which the way the wind is blowing:TAF: Act 4- Wind is Blowing: Awareness (Empathy): 5d6k4 18 2 DoS TAF: Act 4- Wind is Blowing: Cunning (Logic): 3d6 15 1 DoS 3 DoS Total x 2 = 6 +12 for Success on both tests = 18 Prediction points, or 10 Prediction ScoreTAF: Act 4- Wind is Blowing: Prediction Variance: 1d20-10 -7 Makes sense, he would undershoot
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Post by Father on Jun 9, 2021 13:20:42 GMT 1
"A Footly kills an Oakheart, I do not believe whether or not she was defending herself matters, and that is before we account for the fact she gains no favors from her bloodline." Normyn sighs. "Lord Walgrave will want her head, and Lord Addison will find it costly to deny him, I think he hopes she will have someone like Redtusk as champion to save her neck." He pauses to let it sink in. "I figure that since it will end with swords, one might as well gain the favor of Lord Walgrave in the process, and nothing we do will actually matter for her fate."These are the words Ser Normyn offers, but Daeron senses the smell of deceit, clearly Normyn has an angle and is willing to help put Wenda's head on the block in the pursuit of his ambitions, and he certainly does not believe his own claim that it matters not what they do next, clearly Lord Appleton can be swayed by the mood in the hall. Of course, Daeron also senses that Normyn is quite willing to offer a boon for his assistance, what would be in it for his half-brother remains to be seen, an alliance with Old Oak perhaps? Deception, he doesn't fully believe what he's saying: 4d6 6Attractive reroll of critfail: 4d6 10Still a critfail.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Jun 10, 2021 16:53:41 GMT 1
He cocks an eyebrow at his brother's words seeing through his flimsy deception. If he was going to make him an offer, then it had better be worth his value as a Dragon.
"If everything is, as you say, going to end in swords then why come to me rather than Redtusk? Lord Walgrave has plenty of strong men already available to him, Ser Balon for example, but I don't imagine that any of us present today stands a reasonable chance against Ser Roland. I don't have much interest in taking a beating from Redtusk in the hopes of condemning some girl who was justified in her self-defense."
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