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Post by Father on Mar 15, 2019 12:30:21 GMT 1
Ser Eustace Daverhyl says the right polite words, makes the right polite gestures, for all onlookers it might appear as if he is simply greeting his niece. But his touch is like that of a butcher assessing the meat before deciding where to carve. He complements Lynesse on her beauty, though the way he remarks that she is now clearly a woman grown is like to send a chill down the spine. He wants something, like always, and he seems to take some perverse pleasure in knowing that his niece will not be liking it. |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Mar 16, 2019 0:53:58 GMT 1
"I am surprised to see you uncle," she says, honestly, as a chill runs up her spine. "I did not think your responsibilities to my grandfather would permit you to come."
In truth she had not. Foolishly, she had thought he would remain in Mustard Hall, cementing his position. But of course, it was already secure there. It was here, before the realm, that his ambitions might come under scrutiny.
She endures his touch as propriety demands, though she feels a twinge in her throat that hints at bile and embarrassment. He did it, he did it, he did it. She wants to scream. She centers herself, imagining a justice that will one day be hers, and manages to give away no more than a tiny flinch at his touch. Imperceptible to most, though not to him.
"How fares Lord Karl?" she inquires. In truth she fears for his life, but this beast before her holds the keys to such knowledge as surely as he holds the keys to Mustard Hall.
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Post by Father on Mar 16, 2019 7:56:59 GMT 1
Eustace simply notes that his father, said in such a way as to imply he did not really consider him her grandfather, would have come here if he were able, sadly his strength has been sapped since the death of Ser Kyran, and more often than not, he is unable to perform his duties, and so it falls to his sons to shoulder his burdens. He casually shows off Lord Karl's signet ring on his finger. Lynesse and Kyle ought to consider making the journey to Mustard Hall to see him, it may be their last chance, and it would gladden a weakening heart.
But ah yes, the responsibilities to his father involves one thing in particular, Lynesse is now a woman grown, as is plain for the eye to see, and the eye does not go wanting. Which means of course that it is time to consider marriage, and among a lord's responsibilities is to find suitable matches for the sons and daughters of the house, and to that end, Eustace is of a mind to introduce her to suitable candidates. It is her duty, he reminds her, to do her best to seem a most attractive match, but that should not be too difficult given her natural charms.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Mar 16, 2019 10:21:34 GMT 1
"I see you wear my grandfather's ring, nuncle, though it does not seem to fit you well. Perhaps some paper, or a piece of cloth will keep it from slipping?" It is a weak barb, but she is in shock. Does her wardship not protect her from this? Is Lord Jon not her legal guardian while she remains formally within his House? She does not even try to parry Eustace's threat with these meagre tools, lest they shatter like glass when she tries to wield them. She had heard rumour of the Vulture's regency, but had not thought he would bring its authority to bear so soon.
"I shall do nothing to dishonour my House, Ser Eustace. If you wish to introduce me to men of suitable rank, send them to Gyldenhaal when I have had time to prepare, rather than ambushing me with them at a royal feast. However, my match will provide a solid foundation to my brother's rule, and I think it more fitting that such a choice be put before the heir, rather than one whose authority is temporary." She hoped her facade was in place, but inside she was screaming. Eustace would likely match her with some lackey, or have her sent to Dorne. The way his words and eyes weighed every inch of her skin made her flesh crawl, and she could not wait to get away from him. She held her ground.
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Post by Father on Mar 16, 2019 12:01:32 GMT 1
Eustace ignores her assertion that Kyle should be counseled, and remarks that were she a Tyrell or a Hightower, or one of King Aegon's many daughters, her beauty would make lords and knights flock from far and wide to court her, but alas, Daverhyl is not so grand a name, and so they must take it upon themselves to etch her face into the memory of lords of houses which could offer fortuitous unions for Mustard Hall. Besides, he had already promised one lord in particular that had been quite intrigued by the appearance of such a lovely flower at the feast that he would invite Lynesse to meet and share a glass of wine with him.
Eustace warns his darling niece that this lord is not the sort to take kindly to a no for an answer, being of a stature that would give any man a sense of entitlement, he being merely the middleman might be able to evade the wrath of this prickly lord, but young Kyle would surely not be well served by any enmity brought upon him through his sister's pride? If only she had remained at Mustard Hall, there would be the opportunity to discuss such matters and be prepared. But Lynesse need not worry, he merely had a hope that the two might take a liking to each other, though her opinion on this candidate would seem to matter much less to Eustace than whether or not this lord takes a liking to her.
With a flourish masking the forcefulness of the motion, he takes her arm in his, gesturing towards the tents, apparently intent on taking advantage of the shock of the situation and counting on her not wishing to make a scene that would embarrass their house for all to see to make her move along towards the direction of the pavilions of some of the most prestigious houses in attendance. Lynesse can surely wrench herself free or plant her feet in the ground and be dragged along, though a reputation as a willful and disobedient child is probably a worse outcome than to endure the company of some lord for the time it takes to drink a glass of wine.
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Mar 16, 2019 12:46:46 GMT 1
"You bend propriety past all hope of endurance, Uncle Eustace," Lynesse replies, loudly enough for a few courtiers to overhear. Her countenance is not one of outrage, or rebellion, but polite irritation, as she allows herself to be guided toward the pavilion. She does not wish to cause a scene, but merely to be seen with her Uncle before departing. It may give him pause if his intention is simply her death.
He is careful, which implies a cautious attitude, which in turn implies some sense of self-preservation in his mind that she can play off. A tiny morsel of hope.
"I will speak with this lord, and share a cup of wine with him, for I do not wish to give offence. If you do not wish me to make a fool of us both, then at least tell me something of this man I am to meet, that I might gather my thoughts and decorum." Let him think me fooled by his ruse, and I am more likely to survive what is to come. Let him think me a pawn to move, rather than a piece to take off the board.
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Post by Father on Mar 16, 2019 14:42:58 GMT 1
His question in reply as to whether Lynesse has no taste for surprises has a tinge of mockery to it, but he assures her that she need not worry about preparations, she just have to preen, smile and try not to gainsay him. A more prudent question being if an encounter with the most repulsive lord one could possibly imagine is something one might prepare for at all. Fat and foul, the sweet flowery scent of his perfume would have won accolades if worn by a lady, with everyone complementing her refined and exquisite taste, and quietly envy her ability to afford such fine fragrance. His greeting is ever so proper, as are his manners, but his deep-sunk eyes regards her hungrily from head to toe, lingering at her breasts and crotch far beyond what is proper, as if the rest of her is of no interest to him whatsoever. He asks his cupbearer, a maid, seemingly of an age with Delia, of the same height and built, with a similar enough face and with her hair kept almost identical as that of her cousin, she might have served as a decoy, at least from afar, and she also wears a gown of same type of color as the Lady Delia oft favors. But this girl lacks Delia's posture and lively face, and she has none of the steel beneath the sweet facade of innocence, this girl cringes in fear whenever Lord Eldon threatens to notice that she is there, where Delia's nerve to insult this very man to his face is legendary at Gyldenhaal. Making matters worse for Lynesse of course, should she do as her cousin, she might bring down the wrath of one of the most powerful lords of The Reach down upon the Blackbriars, perhaps this is what her uncle hopes for? That he manages to have her sold into bondage as Lord Eldon's glorified bedwarmer, or places the house of which she is a guest at great risk? It appears difficult to discourage any inclinations this pig of a man might have of entertaining Ser Eustace's suggestions for a marriage contract without giving him insult. |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Mar 17, 2019 3:25:43 GMT 1
Lynesse is not Delia. She does not have the steel in her spine, or the disregard of consequences to spurn this man so openly, though a moment before his gaze makes her feel in need of a long bath. She takes the cup of wine courteously, though she does not drink deeply from it. She must keep her head in this dance, with such dangerous steps. It is both kind, and an honour, for the lord of such a great house to spare some moments during the festivities to share a cup of wine with her, she says, thanking him appeciatively. Though she has not had the privilege to meet Lord Eldon before, she has heard of the many sworn swords, puissant and loyal men, who serve beneath him, and the lavish hospitality for which he is so renowned. She compliments the accountrements of the pavilion itself, testament to his fine taste. She gives him time to explore and expand on such extravagance, as the seconds tick by. In truth, she has come to Summerhall this night only at Lady Erena's insistence. Erena too, has encouraged her to attend a joust or two throughout the reach, to clear her mind. These long months have been hard, filled with sorrow and fear, because of her parents' death. She has night terrors, and sleeps with a knife beneath her pillow, because it is the only way she can. Lady Erena has run out of patience with such moping, and decided the appropriate balm is the enjoyment of festivities. She hopes to put such things behind her, in time. The Reach is such a beautiful realm, and she longs to enjoy its many delights. She feeds such morsels into conversation where she may, but hopes to do more listening than speaking. Let him think her charming, but damaged, let him hear not "no" but "perhaps soon." I've worked this in using primarily indirect speech. If you'd prefer I indicate what is said and what is merely thought, I can rewrite as needed. If an intrigue is required to delay or defer a formal match without giving offence, then this post will contain Lynesse's likely rp. |
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Post by Father on Mar 17, 2019 10:16:05 GMT 1
Eldon offers his deepfelt condolences for her parents, it must be hard to feel so very alone, he leans forward and places his hand upon her thigh, so casually as if he had done so a thousand times before, inches away from where the only hand that ever should be allowed to venture would belong to her husband, and only after they were properly wed. With his eyes full of desire, Lord Eldon assures her that he can be her friend, her very best friend, providing for her safety, anything she would desire. Which might sound like an answer to her prayers, coming from the Lord of Longtable. The grand caveat is the words only spoken by his hungry gaze, if only she first will give herself to him fully, in this very moment, is any of that on offer, and a man such as Lord Eldon is unaccustomed to being told no, having grown up to have his sense of entitlement affirmed over and over again, rejecting him would need to be an act of careful navigation to avoid him carrying grudges that would bode ill for her future and that of her brother. Eustace makes no move to hinder his advances, he who moments before had declared himself to effectively be her guardian as her father should have been, instead squeezes her shoulder firmly, as if to remind her of his words not to gainsay this great lord, he mentioned nothing about giving up her flower to Lord Piggy the rapist. In the absurdity of this situation, a young woman could hardly be excused to feel so helpless as to start rationalize that maybe she should not resist, maybe she should simply endure what is to come?
Spelling out what Lynesse says as done in earlier posts is preferable, I've found that I can cover more ground quicker by describing what the NPC's says rather than to take the time to pick their words. Eldon initiates intrigue. Intrigue Iniative: 9d6k6 24 ID: 15 Composure: 12 DR: 3 Free Action Breeding: 8d6k6 29 +2b to be used. Obective: Have his way with Lynesse. So, narrator commentary: You have two options here, you can quit the intrigue and basically tell him no and cut the "conversation" short, he will consider this very rude and you'll have to eat a disposition hit. Pretty much everyone else would fully consider you well within your rights to slap him or throw wine in his face, that will entail a larger disposition hit. Or you can risk the intrigue, it is possible to quit at any time as long as you haven't ran out of composure and frustration. Charm is probably your best and most appropriate card to play here, a -6 disposition is the default towards him for NPC's, which would give you a DR of 6 and +2 if you use the act specialty (presumably, you're only pretending to not find him repulsive). Defeat him with charm and you get to walk away with no hard feelings from him. |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Mar 17, 2019 11:31:50 GMT 1
Lynesse could bring herself to neither submit nor flee, for the cost of each was too high. This lord had a hunger in his eyes that repulsed her, but she could not let her own feelings show through, for the sake of her brother, the Blackbriars, and herself. "You are too kind, Lord Merryweather," she replies, courteously, and with a prim and proper smile. She places her own hand over his, not to force it from her, or- gods forbid - grant it greater encouragement, but to disarm it. She attempts to take it in her own hand, and render it closer to the friendly gesture his words imply and his eyes betray.
Intrigue Initiative: VCL - Initiative: 5d6k4 13 ID: 14 [with +2 from virtue] Composure: 14 [with +2 from virtue] DR: 6 [-6 Disposition] Free Action Deception: VCL - Free Action Act: 6d6k4+1+2 23 [that is 25 with the bonus from disposition] with +1 ID per degree Objective: Extricate herself from the situation without harming disposition or giving in. R1 Action: VCL - R1 Read Target: 6d6k4+1 19 |
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Post by Father on Mar 17, 2019 11:58:31 GMT 1
The gesture only seems to fuel his lusting for her, edging ever so closer to position his knee such as to make it difficult for Lynesse to close her legs, given his opening touch, this move almost seems decent by comparison, but it closes off her escape route all the same.
Can't quite remember if we added disposition modifier to the free action, I don't think we've played with it until now, but here it makes for 2 DoS either way. Only chivalry grants bonuses to ID and composure, virtue does not. Charismatic would also give +1 on initiative (but doesn't matter here) ID: 15 DR: 3 Composure: 12 R1+2, Seduce (+1b from breeding on each): 2#8d6k4 20 19 Is 2x2 DoS, for 4 influence per DoS, so 2+2 after DR. Read Target fails. |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Mar 17, 2019 12:51:12 GMT 1
"A great lord has a great many friends, and each one adds to his prowess, and reputation. A true lady has only one, her confidante, with whom she shares all her secrets in full. If I were to give you such a confidence so soon, Lord Eldon, you would surely forget me in the crowd of your many friendships, and I would be bereft. Tell me, what do you think of the King's showing here at Summerhall?"Her smile is friendly and her tone warm. With this man, playing dumb seems an encouragement and responding aggressively is impossible, so instead she seeks to distract and flatter. Such things may come in time, she must impart, but not tonight.
ID: 14[ Including +2 from free action] Composure: 8/12 DR: 6 [-6 Disposition] Free Action Deception: VCL - Free Action Act: 6d6k4+1+2 23 [that is 25 with the bonus from disposition] with +1 ID per degree Objective: Extricate herself from the situation without harming disposition or giving in. R2 Action: With bonuses from charismatic, courteous and disposition Round 2 - Act: 6d6k4+1+2+2 21 for 2 DoS for 8 Damage This is honestly a bit of an rp challenge for me, so I may mince my dialogue a little.
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Post by Father on Mar 17, 2019 17:53:51 GMT 1
Lord Eldon makes a few standard phrases about this being a most lovely party, but he is not so easily diverted from the prey his mind is set upon. It is a sad thing, he declares, to only have a single friend, he knows many a lady with numerous friends, surely she must be alone? Surely she would want others? It does not, however, appear that he is fooling himself about his own attractiveness, no. He knows all too well who he is and what they say about him. But he also knows a vulnerable flower when he sees one, her resolve only egging him on.
ID: 15 DR: 3 Composure: 7/12 Seduce: 7d6k4+1 17 1 DoS, nothing gets through. I guess it's time to try something new. |
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Post by Lynesse Daverhyl on Mar 18, 2019 7:54:26 GMT 1
"Some women are so carefree, but alas they have not suffered as much as I. It lends one to a more guarded disposition, to have had poisons found in one’s food, and knives behind one’s chamber door, and to have suffered such loss so close to one’s family home. My family maester was murdered in his own rooms soon after I left Mustard Hall. Not a friend, but a good man. A loyal man. Some women might be so carefree, but for myself, trust is slow. And all the more valuable for it.""I do not fault you for your many friends, my lord. You are, after all, a great lord with a wealth of confidence, land, and security, and able to give mind to your many friends. Your hospitality is oft-remarked. For myself, Lord Eldon, great friendships build over time my lord, and mature like fine wine. She realises, belatedly, that drinking little will only extend this painful exercise even longer. She takes a draught. She craves an excuse to move. Not to escape in full, for he is not yet appeased, but to reclaim surrendered personal space.
“My lord, your generous offer and talk of friendship reminds me of a song, the Lay of King Theramyr. Lady Hightower oft said my voice was my only accomplishment in the musical arts. May I sing it for you, before my guardians begin to wonder where I have dallied?”The song is a little outdated, and not widely known, but well suited to Lynesse’s vocal range. It tells the story of a great king who won the hand of a sorrowful widow with gifts and acts of chivalry.
ID: 14[ Including +2 from free action] Composure: 8/12 DR: 6 [-6 Disposition] Objective: Extricate herself from the situation without harming disposition or giving in. R3 Action: VCL - Round 2 Act- Charm: 6d6k4+1+2+2 24With bonuses from charismatic, courteous and disposition orokos.com/roll/711778 for a total of 25 - 3 DoS and 12 Influence. Offer Compromise - Have Lynesse sing a song for him before leaving unmolested
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Post by Father on Mar 18, 2019 18:59:44 GMT 1
Eldon assures her that he is very loyal, and very generous to his friends. Very, very generous. But of course, friendship is rarely won in but a day, though the start of any relationship is as strangers, no? But caution is wise, he himself lost a brother in the same riot that claimed her own uncle, and were it not for the heroism of Ser Donnel and Ser Titus, his sister-in-law and his young nephew, not to mention himself, would have been claimed by the stranger. A lord, as well as his kin, are always in danger of falling afoul of those who would tear him down. But if Lady Lynesse would allow him to become her friend, he may offer strong protection against such enemies. Only cowards would pick a young lady, all alone, as their victim, and cowards would balk at the force that Longtable can bring to bear. A song he would love to hear.
Eldon is nowhere near nice enough to let her off that easily. We can dispense with IC text and just roll the dices and play out the scene according to the result. ID: 13 (-2 from frustration) DR: 3 Composure: 4/12, 1 Frustration. Manipulate: 8d6k5 23That's 2 DoS, he gets back 2 composure, meaning Lynesse have to use the bargain technique for her next two turns (she need not necessarily use influence, she might use some other action). Her winning using bargain might perhaps be that you get the standard charm results, but he manages to leverage his station, personal power and general situation into taking a kiss and/or playing around with his hands, which need not be described in detail. For the sake of speeding things up, his next action will be, so you can do two actions on him. Fast Talk: 8d6k5 21 Which is a 1 DoS, removing cunning from Lynesse's ID against his next influence action. |
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