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Post by Father on Apr 16, 2019 12:51:36 GMT 1
Lord Walgrave Oakheart, roused by the discoveries of Ser Daeron Wildfyre of a new Vulture King gathering men to him in the western part of The Red Mountains. He cares not for the wasting of time to receive permission. He simply acts decisively without hesitation. For each day in which we linger, more snakes will flock to his hidden staging areas. For each day in which we linger, the chance increases that we will be too late. For once, let us ride out to ensure that our wives and daughters are not raped to fill the Reach with their foul bastard brood to replace our slaughtered sons. For once, let offense be the best defense, let us save ourselves from the need for a campaign of vengeance where every rock must be overturned to ensure we get all the snakes. Let us strike where they gather so we can catch them all at once, and protect our sons and daughters from another round of horrors visited upon us by the treacherous Lords of Dorne who will deny that they supported, or even had any knowledge of what happened right before their noses. We all know that King Daeron would all too readily find it convenient to take the lies upon their forked tongues as the truth.
Restrictions: Only chivalrous knights who have not publicly declared for Blood are welcome. Those of Dornish heritage need not bother to turn up. Lord Walgrave will not suffer the presence of supporters and spies of the "Snakes and Vultures" or the King "Who betrayed The Realm to them", turn your back upon such men and your reward is like to be a poisoned dagger plunged into it.
Bring a friend: Each character taking part may attempt to invite one knight each (Lords/Heirs will typically arrange for another to represent them, characters from outside the Reach would tend to be unavailable). This character will typically not contribute to any mechanics, but his presence will be noted (and possibly featured). Some characters would be disinclined to join a campaign advertised in the above fashion.
Mark character invited in rolls: Status (Reputation)+CF TN 12 Persuasion (Convince)+CF TN 12
-You must achieve a number of DoS equal to the invited character's status to succeed. For each Disposition Rating above (below) neutral, reduce (increase) the needed DoS by 1. -Increase the required DoS by 2 if attempting to recruit neutral knights. -If successful, gain +1 Disposition with Lord Walgrave for each 3 points of status of the character invited. An additional +1 if the invited character is special and comes in person. (Cannot move disposition beyond +5)
A character may forego his own tests in order to assist another, joining him instead as a lieutenant, assists can only be offered before any tests are made.
War Council: Persuasion (Convince)+CF TN 12 Status (Reptuation)+CF TN 12 Warfare (Strategy) TN 9 Warfare (Tactics) TN 9
CF=Highest of Chivalry and Fire points scored.
-Each PC who joins gains a "Phantom Fire Point", these cannot be spent, but counts towards the total for determining which way the House is aligned. -Success on all four tests, +1 disposition with Lord Walgrave. Be given command of some operation as part of the hunt. -Highest total DoS across all four tests (and succeed on all four): The command granted to you is more prestigious than the others available. -Possible rewards on offer: glory, chivalry, fire points, a share of the spoils, disposition increases with Lord Oakheart, discount on Fire Points needed to secure marriage with House Oakheart, enter consideration for the hand of Lady Sybelle.
Tracking the enemy (if given a command): Awareness (Notice) TN 9 Cunning (Logic) TN 9 Survival (Track) TN 9 Warfare (Tactics) TN 9
-The average DoS (Round up) scored is added as a bonus to tests in part 2 (to be noted when those scenes are released). -Critical Failure counts as -3 DoS.
Benefits/Drawbacks: Charismatic: +1 to War Council tests. Sponsor: If sponsor (or representative) is recruited, assist bonuses will typically be granted from them. Vainglorious: Triggers to compel seeking your own command.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 17, 2019 0:48:26 GMT 1
Bring a Friend: Phase 2, The Vulture Hunt, Bring a Friend - Gormon Peake, Status (Reputation) + CF + Titus Assist TN12: 4d6k3+8 19, 2 DoS+7 CF +1 Titus Assist Phase 2, The Vulture Hunt, Bring a Friend - Gormon Peake, Persuasion (Convince) + CF + Titus Assist TN12: 3d6+9 21, 2 DoS+7 CF +2 Titus Assist Gormon Peake; Status 6, Disposition - Friendly Total of DoS required = 4 (6-2), Passed+2 Disposition Walgrave Oakheart War Council:Titus & Gormon's Representative assisting on all rolls. Phase 2, Vulture Hunt, War Council, Persuasion (Convince) + CF + Assist(s) TN12: 3d6+11 20, 2 DoSPhase 2, Vulture Hunt, War Council, Status (Reputation) + CF + Assist(s) TN12: 4d6k3+10 27, 4 DoSPhase 2, Vulture Hunt, War Council, Warfare (Strategy) + Assist(s) TN9: 5d6k4+2 15, 2 DoSPhase 2, Vulture Hunt, War Council, Warfare (Tactics) + Assist(s) TN9: 5d6k4+2 18, 2 DoSTotal: 10 DoS+1 Disposition Walgrave Oakheart Tracking the Enemy:Titus & Gormon's Representative assisting on all rolls. Phase 2, Vulture Hunt, Tracking the Enemy, Awareness (Notice) + Assist(s) TN9: 3d6+3 20, 3 DoSPhase 2, Vulture Hunt, Tracking the Enemy, Cunning (Logic) + Assist(s) TN9: 3d6+2 10, 1 DoSPhase 2, Vulture Hunt, Tracking the Enemy, Survival (Track) + Assist(s) TN9: 2d6+2 9, 1 DoSPhase 2, Vulture Hunt, Tracking the Enemy, Warfare (Tactics) + Assist(s) TN9: 5d6k4+2 14, 2 DoSBonus in Part 2: 7/4 = +2_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Balon knew Lord Gormon wouldn't come in person but was elated to learn he was sending Ser Horas (Redwyne) and his brothers. "The Vulture King won't know what hit him!" he shouted triumphantly. During the war council with the assistance of Titus and Horas, Balon represented himself well and offered sage advice to Lord Walgrave. He humbly accepted the honor of leading a force against the Dornish bandits and promised to return with news of their demise.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 17, 2019 4:38:27 GMT 1
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Post by Addam Velaryon on Apr 17, 2019 17:29:18 GMT 1
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Apr 17, 2019 22:14:27 GMT 1
Word had traveled that Dornish bandits had descended from the Red Mountains, pillaging the villages of the Marcher-lords, setting torch to their homes and stealing away with their women and children. Does the wickedness of men know no limit? When Balon writes too Starpike, seeking Lord Gormon's assistance in the Oakhearts brave endeavour to bring an end to such horrors, Titus is quick to agree and joins his brother and cousin in the hunt. Vulture Hunt - Vainglorious - Will(Dedication) v TN13: 5d6k3 17- Pass Titus will assist Balon on all rolls.
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Post by Father on Apr 20, 2019 13:02:27 GMT 1
Lord Gormon suspects that this is all just one big ill-advised ego-trip by a gray-haired man who have been utterly unable to get the glory days of invading Dorne out of his head. He has heard nothing at all suggesting that there is any more threats gathering in the Red Mountain's than the occasional outlaw band that nobody considers worth the effort of supporting the needed patrols to stamp out of existence. Nevertheless, Old Oak is a power one best ought to stay in the good graces of, so he sends Ser Horas Redwyne along with Ser Titus, and four seasoned men at arms with their serjeant, along the way they pick up two-score freeriders and hedge knights hoping for plunder and perhaps permanent service at Starpike or other places if they prove themselves worthy. Lord Willem would have preferred to not associate Kingsbridge with Lord Walgrave's extreme views, Daeron and Addam may join the campaign if their hearts tells them to, but he will not endorse or encourage any knight of Kingsbridge to follow their path, and certainly not signal his support by joining himself. Lord Florent sends his bannerman, Ser Imry Levalle, citing marriage preparations as the pretext for not finding a spare family member to join the campaign. Ser Imry eagerly joins, anything to get him away from his dreary tower. Lord Florent had shown his displeasure by requiring him to remain at his lands for tourney after tourney in what he regards as a mummer's farce of coming up with new "essential" duties. His wife, he didn't miss her much, remained at Brightwater Keep for "rest and recuperation" and Alena had followed her as well, her she missed. None of the serving girls were half as pretty to look upon. At least he finally got a chance to prove himself.
Balon: +3 Disposition with Lord Walgrave Daeron may join Addam for part 2 and grant assist bonuses. Gain +1 disposition for the effort. Addam: +3 Disposition with Lord Walgrave Part 2 needs some work yet.
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Post by Father on Apr 20, 2019 22:32:42 GMT 1
"Silver Sword and Star on Purple, that's no Vulture King, that's House Dayne!" Young Vortimer exclaims. "We are not going to attack them, are we, ser? Father always said to never raise your blade against an innocent!" Ser Horas Redwyne considers his squire for a moment, weighting his reply. "We will do as your brother commands, besides, your mother would tell you that they should all be killed." The youngest of the Blackbriar brothers is taken aback by that, stammering a bit in shock before letting out no more of a reply than a single word "why?", quickly adding a "Ser?".
"Because that is Ser Vorian Dayne, slaying him would be a boon to our cause, and more importantly it would greatly please Lord Oakheart, which would help getting his consent to marry his son and heir to your sister." Vortimer thinks on that for a moment. "Is my mother really that mean, ser? There is no honor in that! It is not right! Father would be horrified if his sons did such things. Delia will get what she wants in the end, she's just soo clever. Balon, Titus, let's go back!"
Several leagues to the east, Addam and Daeron comes upon the fortified encampment that Lord Walgrave's scouts had pointed out to them, up close, it's clear that this is no nest of outlaws, but rather a caravanserai with earthworks and crude curtain wall of stone five feet tall. These are merchants and their guards, not outlaws.
The test for tracking the enemy was a red herring, the only thing that mattered was the cunning test to see if your characters realized that there never were a Vulture King and these are simply Dornish who are about their various legitimate business and no bonuses were on offer. Commanders may pick path A or B, other PC's may act under mutiny should they disagree with the choice.
A: I will not stain my honor with the blood of the innocent! You attempt to abort the assault (and generally should feel very bad if you do not): Will (Courage) TN 9 Warfare (Command) TN 9 Success on both tests: +1 Chivalry (also granted to an assisting PC) Simple failure(s): Aborted, but the grumbles over not getting plunder drowns out the admiration of your character. Critical failure(s): Your men mutinies and carries out Lord Oakheart's original order.
In any case, attempting to abort costs -3 Disposition with Lord Oakheart. And increases the Fire Points needed to secure a marriage with House Oakheart by one.
If Balon (or Titus through mutiny) successfully aborts, he (or Titus) may attempt to evade notice: Warfare (tactics) TN 12 Warfare (command) TN 12 Success on both tests: One of the PC's may attempt a simple intrigue (convince) vs Lord Walgrave (ID 17), assists possible, to reduce the penalty for aborting missions to -1 Disposition.
B: All is fair in Love and War! You go through with the assault:
Addam: Warfare (tactics) TN 12 Warfare (command) TN 12 -Reduce TN's by 3 if a PC goes first over the walls (commander may lead from the front and do it personally, both PC's may join), triggers a combat scene. If the PC's are defeated, their men are beaten back. Success on both tests: Take the camp by force. -Gain +1 Glory, gain plunder worth 5 GD times the square of the DoS scored, +1 disposition with Lord Walgrave.
Balon: Warfare (tactics) TN 12 Warfare (command) TN 12 Success on both tests: Capture Vorian Dayne, capture or kill half his men and route the rest. Gain plunder worth 10GD times the square of the DoS scored, plus claim the superior equipment of Ser Vorian. A PC may optionally engage Ser Vorian Dayne in single combat, gaining +1 glory upon defeating him, but he escapes capture if he wins. 5+ total DoS: As above, but +1 Glory as the enemy force are all captured or killed. -Leave no witnesses: +2 Fire, +1 disposition with Lord Walgrave, Reduce the Fire Points needed to secure a marriage with House Oakheart by 2. -Kill Vorian Dayne, but others gets away: +1 Fire, +1 disposition with Lord Walgrave, Reduce the Fire Points needed to secure a marriage with House Oakheart by 1.
Mutiny: A PC lieutenant may chose to attempt to countermand his commander's choice by testing for the alternative route. If scoring more DoS on the warfare (command) test, their orders will be carried out instead. One might offer a more silent defiance by refusing to offer assists. Vortimer offers +1 assist if Titus mutinies against path B.
Benefits/Drawbacks True Knight: The -1D very much applies on all tests under option B, it also nulls the assistance bonus you can offer to those tests. May treat Self-Control tests to do follow option A as Will(Courage) tests. Prejudiced (Dornish): Triggers, on a failed test, you are compelled to carry on with the Assault and execute any prisoners. Vortimer offers +1 assist on this test. Titus may assist. Zealot (Family First): Triggers, on a failed test, you are compelled to push through for the sake of pursuing an alliance with House Oakheart. Vortimer offers +1 assist on this test. Balon may assist.
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 21, 2019 3:04:07 GMT 1
As they creep towards the camp, Daeron’s face is initially gleeful at the meager fortifications surrounding the bandit’s camp, but when he realizes what he’s looking at his glee turns to anger. He turns to Addam and whispers.
“These aren’t raiders at all, just some fucking merchants. I’m here to hunt bandits, not to turn bandit.”
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Post by Addam Velaryon on Apr 21, 2019 23:10:04 GMT 1
Vulture Hunt Plan A Will: 4d6k3+1 14 Pass Vulture Hunt Plan A Warfare: 3d6+1 10 Pass Passed both, raid aborted and +1 Chivalry for Daeron and me
Addam stared longingly at the caravanserai, hoping that maybe of he stared hard enough, it would turn into the den of thieves he hoped it would be. Sadly it did not. Yet he hesitated. This might be his only chance for a real command before the war, his only chance to impressive Lord Hewett. He has about to give the command to charge, when I voice inside his head reasoned with him. "There will be no need to impress Lord Glendon if you head is on a spike for banditry," it said. After a few more tense moment, Addam finally turn to his cousin. "Agreed." "Lord Walgrave's scouts were wrong. This is no outlaw fortress, but a rest area for merchant." he said to his men when Daeron and him had returned to the staging area. Disappoint spread through their ranks, and some suggested that they should go through with the assault anyway, a suggestion most of the men seemed to agree with. "WE ARE MEN OF THE REACH!" The dragon in Addam flared its nostrils as he took command of the situation. "If you wanna be bandits, then go serve Lord Wyl or Blackmont, but if you want to serve a House of the Reach, then you will act as proper Reachmen instead of Dornish Dogs." That seemed to bring the dissenters back in line, but spirits still remained low. Nor could he blame them. They had made their way all the way out here for nothing. "Come on boys," he said has he lead the column home. "Drinks are on me when we get back to Old Oak."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 22, 2019 7:11:06 GMT 1
Phase 2, Vulture Hunt, Option B, Warfare (Tactics) TN12: 5d6k4 18, 22 3 DoSPhase 2, Vulture Hunt, Option B, Warfare (Command) TN12: 6d6k4 17, 18 2 DoSTotal: 5 DoSEdit: +1 Assist from Horas Redwyne, Spending DP to convert bonus die in Tactics roll, bringing overall total to 5 DoS. Ser Balon leaned forward against a boulder, peering through his far-eyes. This isn't the Vulture King reborn, they're merchants. He'd had his doubts about bandits but this was an opportunity to kill dornishman and get in the good graces of Lord Walgrave. Balon had already identified House Dayne's sigil when he heard Vort object to Ser Horas. Father said a lot of things and all his chivalry got him was an early grave. Balon did one last sweep of the compound before putting his far-eyes away. "Ser Horas, prepare the men for attack. I'll be issuing orders shortly." Balon turned to Titus and Vortimer. This would take some carefully considered words. He started with Vortimer, "Ser Horas has the right of it. We follow Lord Walgrave's orders. His orders are to locate and attack the compound. Doing so weakens the enemy, enriches us, and pleases a principal bannerman. Do you understand how *rare* it is for people like us to achieve what we're about to achieve? A year ago if you'd asked someone what the chances of the heir to Oakheart marrying a daughter of a branch-line of a minor house was they'd answer zero." Balon was straddling the line between a squire's commander and brother, "Now when this deed is done it'll be assured." Balon looked towards the men and Ser Horas, "Do you think Lord Gormon would've sent Ser Horas if he didn't think there was something to gain?"Killing a member of House Dayne like Ser Vorian would increase tensions between the Blackbriars and Starkwoods and while the thought pleased Balon he knew it was better for there to be no survivors and thus no news of the attack. He turned to Titus, not sure how to proceed. After all the naive bastard had a "thing" for Lady Ashara and his feelings might get in the way of logic. "Brother, I won't ask you to do anything you're uncomfortable with though I admit the thought of both of you fighting at my side fills my heart with joy. All I ask is you consider how this helps our family."
Balon smiled and put a hand on each of their shoulders. "Deeds, not words."Regardless of his brother's objections Balon planned to attack. As he spoke with some assembled serjeants he laid out the attack plan and to allow no one to escape. He ended with, "Strike hard, strike fast, no mercy."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 22, 2019 17:26:43 GMT 1
For a moment, he was concerned that his cousin would continue with the attack regardless, but when Ser Addam finally agreed with him after that long moment he sighed a breath of relief. He should not have doubted that a fellow Companion wouldn't have made the right choice, and when it came time to face their men over the decision, he gave his unwavering support to Addam's decision. Instead of giving a speech, he simply played up his reputation as Wildfyre and played the role as a silent, but intimidating, lieutenant.
"You made the right call Companion. There is no glory or honor to be had in pillaging caravaners, though I can see how the fortifications there might have caused Lord Walgrave's scouts to misidentify the camp." His words sounded hollow though, Daeron suspected that Lord Walgrave had attempted to use this campaign against the Vulture King as cover to attack less legitimate targets in the process.
"Let's just hope that the rest of our parties managed to find the actual bandits, otherwise this whole venture was nothing but a waste of our time."
Lord Oakheart will not be pleased with this result, but fuck him. He's not my lord. I bring him real and legitimate intelligence about Dornish raiders and he sends me on this bullshit banditry mission?
+2 Disposition to Addam Velaryon -1 Disposition to Lord Walgrave Oakheart, -3 Disposition from Lord Walgrave Oakheart [-1]
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Apr 22, 2019 23:13:19 GMT 1
Not including my Dedication dice on this roll, self-imposed handicap.The Vulture Hunt - Zealot: Family First v TN13: 3d6 12 - Fail. If not for Vortimer's +1 Assist! 13 and pass!
This is folly. It's madness. It could very well be considered an act of war! But most of all there was no honour in this, it was wrong. Titus objected, Titus pleaded. Titus even tried to rally the men, call of this attack and let's return to The Reach unsoiled. But the men where itching for a fight and their swords proved too thirsty for Titus to words to take any root. As Balon calls the charge Titus stays standing where he was - struck both lame and mute. This is not how it was supposed to be. Vulture Hunt - Stop this madness! - Courage/Warfare v TN9: 5d6 20 3d6 11 - 3 DoS, 1 DoS Success on both tests but not high enough Command to counter Balon - slaughter unfolds. Titus is there but does not partake. Not sure if +1 Chiv from succeeding on both tests would apply.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 26, 2019 21:09:20 GMT 1
Balon left his brothers to brood as he went over the battle plan with Ser Horas and the assembled men. They had the element of surprise, the numbers, and a superior quality of men. It would be a slaughter and Balon was totally fine with that. At one point Titus joined the group, making an impassioned speech to turn back but Balon saw the hunger for battle in their eyes. Dorne may have officially joined the Kingdoms but old hatreds died hard, especially in the Reach. His words fell on deaf ears but Balon didn't confront him. Titus needed to vent his frustration for ultimately he was right, there was no chivalry in this attack but the soldiers weren't here for chivalry. They were here for coin and a chance to join a lord's service.
Using the concealment the terrain provided the men got as close as they could before commencing the attack. Any lookout or defender with a ranged weapon was prioritized, arrows and bolts flying through the air to find their mark. Ser Horas led the main contingent as they made for the main gate while Balon led a smaller force at an oblique angle to the wall. With the wall being so short Balon's men had no trouble scaling over and while most of the camp's defenders were responding to the attack on the gate, Balon carved his way through merchants, slow to react guards, and finally the rear of the defending force. Several mounted freeriders and archers stayed back, riding down or shooting any Dornishman that tried to flee.
The fight was short lived and few defenders survived the assault. Those that did were rounded up and forced to their knees with their hands on their heads. Balon walked up to the prisoners, casually wiping blood off his new blade. He sheathed the sword and patted the custom handle though he didn't know if the woman that inspired the design would appreciate what it'd been used for. Among the survivors was Ser Vorian, the resilient bastard didn't have the courtesy to die in the attack. Pity, something I mean to rectify.
Giving Father and/or Titus a chance to react before I continue.
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Post by Titus Blackbriar on Apr 29, 2019 16:23:04 GMT 1
Balon’s attack was quick, efficient and utterly ruthless - like an assassin cutting the throat of a hapless victim. It was over before it began and by the time Titus regained his senses and made his way down the encampment there where but dead dornishmen, their blood deepening the red of Dorne’s already red sands. At the centre of the camp stood Balon, the blade in his hand coated with blood. There where a few survivors, rounded up and bound. It was clear that Balon had no intention of keeping prisoners. Titus moves through the battleground, past the soldiers as if in a fog. Vulture Hunt - Honourbound v TN13: 5d6k3 17As Balon finishes the job, Titus can only stand by and watch. Afterwards he can not look neither of his brothers in the eyes. This is not how it was supposed to be.
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Post by Father on Apr 29, 2019 18:06:01 GMT 1
Young Vortimer does not freeze, he does not hesitate, just like his father would not have done. But just like his father would have been, he is not very subtle about it either, he has Ser Vorian cut lose from his bonds before anyone notices that giving him a final kindness of good Arbor Wine was only a ruse, had the Dayne knight been seated on his horse before the alarm went up, he might have escaped. Now he is surrounded with nowhere to go, but the man is good, before the hedge knight between him and his horse even realizes what's going on, Ser Vorian has grabbed hold of his swordarm and twisted him around like a ragdoll to the ground, and shock turns to horror on the man's face as his own blade his wrenched from his hand and promptly rammed through his eye, and Ser Vorian might claim his own blade, though forged of good steel, not pale white magic starmetal, slinging it across his back for the moment and grabbing hold of his shield. He may not be The Sword of The Morning, but hedge knights and Freeriders back away from him all the same as he takes this opportunity of momentary respite to cut loose one of his men and advancing towards the horses. "Man enough to face me? Or shall I deprive these Northron rabble the need to change their soiled smallclothes?" Sneaky little brothers (Vorian assist): 2d6+1 10 Didn't quite succeed. Disarm+1D Surprise: 6d6 23Vorian: CD: 13 AR: 10 Health 12 Initiative: 4d6-3 14Balon could engage him one on one or order the mooks to swarm him.
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