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Post by Aerion Flowers on Jul 20, 2019 21:59:51 GMT 1
Aerion sends word through some runners to all members of the Starkwood team to meet the day before and go over strategies and tactics.
As they arrive one by one, they get seated around the large oak table in no particular order, and when all of them arrived, Aerion makes a quick speach about th he goal of tomorrow (try and keep bad blood and grudges from boiling over into mortal combat, and of course to win) then opens the floor to suggestions, or concerns for the coming event.
His squire Tommen is also in attendance, though he says little and is there mostly to take notes of any deficiencies in equipment to make sure they can fix that by the next day (weapons, mounts, etc. Armor can't be commissioned in such short time).
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 21, 2019 0:13:44 GMT 1
Trystane is prompt and attentive, as is his squire, Quentyn, who gives Tommen a friendly smile just as Trystane does with his goodbrother.
"Well, equipment-wise, I think I'm set, unless you think I ought to take in multiple shields," Trystane responds to Aerion's query, stroking his moustache thoughtfully for a moment before counting off on his fingers;
"Got all new castle-forged gear after Kingsbridge. So I'm taking in my longsword, bastard sword, large shield seemed best, and a dagger, just in case. I'll be in my good new full plate, and Flint has done me proud in the jousts so he'll be my mount for the melee. Was hoping to have enough for a better destrier, as Bard is getting on a bit, but I came up twenty dragons short, unfortunately," he sighs.
"Still, I don't think I'll be letting the side down with what I've got."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Jul 23, 2019 4:58:58 GMT 1
Mikel and Harold arrive, Mikel finding a seat and Harold to stand with the other squires. After greetings and listening to Aerion's quick speech about Starkwood's goals the following day, and then listening to some talk of equipment, Mikel said what he imagined everybody had expected from him. "Tomorrow is a melee but let us not forget the black tournament and all that has occurred since. The hatred so fresh in the Reach for all things Dornish, including houses married into it and those of mixed blood, may not be as bad here in the Riverlands but its still here and plenty coming from the Reach and bringing it with them. Let us remember who Ser Balon threatened at the Black Tourney, and hat it is more likely he would see this as a time to make good on it then of time having dulled the desire to act. Remember Summerhall and the hate shown. Keep in mind that there is likely a war on the horizon and many and putting in work now in preparation for it. I do not doubt any of us forgot the duty of protecting those we serve, but I myself have been feeling the excitement of the melee and needed to remind myself of all that I had just said." That wasn't entirely true, Mikel wasn't that excited for it, but he wanted to be sure what was at stake - even likely to happen - was foremost in everyones mind. But he didn't want to come off wrong, so made it as open and light as such a statement could be made.
"As for the strategy, who has an idea to get us started?" Mikel looked at Aerion, assuming he already had something in mind.
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 23, 2019 14:28:55 GMT 1
Mikel and Harold arrive, Mikel finding a seat and Harold to stand with the other squires. After greetings and listening to Aerion's quick speech about Starkwood's goals the following day, and then listening to some talk of equipment, Mikel said what he imagined everybody had expected from him. "Tomorrow is a melee but let us not forget the black tournament and all that has occurred since. The hatred so fresh in the Reach for all things Dornish, including houses married into it and those of mixed blood, may not be as bad here in the Riverlands but its still here and plenty coming from the Reach and bringing it with them. Let us remember who Ser Balon threatened at the Black Tourney, and hat it is more likely he would see this as a time to make good on it then of time having dulled the desire to act. Remember Summerhall and the hate shown. Keep in mind that there is likely a war on the horizon and many and putting in work now in preparation for it. I do not doubt any of us forgot the duty of protecting those we serve, but I myself have been feeling the excitement of the melee and needed to remind myself of all that I had just said."
"Who did he threaten?" Trystane asks. "He was threatening me about the melee the other night, but he seemed quite drunk so I wasn't sure how seriously to take it. Knowing he's threatened others too kicks that up a notch, so perhaps we all ought to take care there and avoid the Blackbriars where possible, since Starkwood is the House that keeps getting shit thrown at it for being too influenced by Dorne."
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Jul 28, 2019 17:24:17 GMT 1
As trystane mentions lacking the few gold dragons for a better mount, Aerion signals to Tommen, though the young squire was already writing as soon as the words escape Trystane's lips.
Aerion can't help but smile at the wisdom from Mikel. "You have the right of it. We're likely to see many 'accidents' that result in maiming or worse tomorrow. And of course there will be no repercussions because everyone knows the risks of the melee, and likely more than not, Lord Butterwell will not want to cause any more tensions to rise for fear of having the next Black Tourney. Though to do nothing likely invites that outcome more than any action he should take to quash it."
"As for strategy tomorrow, first and foremost I want you all to look out for each other, and protect yourselves. My goal tomorrow is to try to keep the peace as much as possible. If we see any unjust actions, double- or triple-teaming, attempt to even the odds. If you know that someone is attempting to kill another, intercept them and try to take them out of the event. Do not kill them, obviously, but a broken arm is an acceptable alternative to death on the field." Aerion's clearly worried about the following day's events, especially given what Mikel had reminded them all of.
"Our house get's a lot of shit for being too influenced by Dorne. Simon, I'm sure you'd like the opportunity to prove them wrong. These men claim their Andal superiority, and question your strength of arm. Let's do what we can to showcase Starkwood power. But we must stay true to the rules of fair fighting, lest we encourage more idiots to spread rumours of Dornish treachery or the like."
"I will be answering for your actions tomorrow. Please do not make me have to answer any difficult questions. But ultimately, your lives are more important than those around you, and if it comes to life or death, do not hesitate to stand your ground. We will not apologize for putting murderous fools in the ground if they refuse to yield when they are beaten.." He lets the last statement ring out into the silence, before the pen of Tommen can be heard scratching likely what Aerion just said onto some parchment.
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Post by Trystane Sand on Jul 30, 2019 1:33:37 GMT 1
Trystane gives Aerion's speech a little round of applause.
"Well said, brother! Starkwood honour is still a thing I hear spoken of with sincerity. It will be my privilege to help uphold it alongside you all. We will show them that mercy and fairness do not diminish our courage or our ferocity. Ez dira pasatuko, as we say back home. They shall not pass."
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Aug 4, 2019 1:33:32 GMT 1
"He had threatened Ser Symons life, to Lady Ashara. I've had the opportunity to sit and talk woth Ser Balon. Sonce then I am much more inclined to believe the worst I hear of him, he is not his fathers son and I do not believe he would shrink from upholding any of his threats so long as the opportunity seemed favorable to him."
"Your intentions and direction are well thought out, Aerion." Aerion was Mikels first friend when he came to serve Starkwood, and so had become one of the few Mikel was known to be familiar with instead of his typical formal style. "Participating in the melee and treating it like a melee, yet showing no tolerance for those who would abuse it and no hesitation in preserving our own health and safety."
Mikel leaned forward. "What do you have in mind for the tactics to be put in use?" Whether Mikel had something in mind or only wished them all to discuss it until they shaped the best plan they could was anyones guess.
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Aug 11, 2019 3:36:15 GMT 1
"Bat bezala egongo gara" he says to Trystane in response.
"It would be prudent for us to remain fluid and mobile on the field tomorrow, Ser Mikel. That way we are better able to adapt to anything that comes up, and avoid being stuck in one place too long for our opponents to take advantage. Try not to commit to large battles, but instead move about in pairs, that way there's always an ally close by."
"But I am not any great mind of strategy, so please share any thoughts or concerns you have." he finishes, addressing the room as a whole.
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Post by Trystane Sand on Aug 12, 2019 20:28:16 GMT 1
Trystane grins in pleased susprise to hear Aerion speak to him in Dornish.
"I think it would be a mistake to lock ourselves into something too rigid. No plan survives first contact with the enemy, so we must be able to adapt in the moment. By all means have some broad goals to strive for, but be ready to alter the course as things develop. Keeping our ranks close should be our baseline. If we are able to act as one and each man can support his brethren, then most of the surprises that the melee will throw at us can be weathered. Don't let ourselves get scattered. Of course, we must balance this with not ganging up on someone to an ungallant extent."
He pulls some copper coins out of his leather coinpurse and arranges them in his proposed starting formation, somewhere between a fan and a pincer arrangement.
"Perhaps like this? It lets us spread out a little without getting too far to support eachother. With you in the center, Aerion, so you are best placed to command."
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Post by Aerion Flowers on Aug 16, 2019 22:56:49 GMT 1
"Smart thinking. Glad to have you on our side, Ser Trystane." [OOC: Aerion Disposition of Trystane +1]
"Alright, we have our plan of action and Tommen will arrange for everyone's equipment needs to be met. If there is nothing else, then go and enjoy the rest of your evening. But be careful not to indulge too much in wine this evening. We must all be sharp tomorrow if we are to be victorious!"
/scene? if there's nothing else.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Aug 18, 2019 9:43:24 GMT 1
Mikel voiced agreement. "Keep it simple and watch out for each other." Then he added. "I like the idea of staying in pairs. What about taking that a step further and working with another pair to focus your efforts - one pair can attack and distract and the other come in from a flank?" A simple and effective tactic but nothing was guaranteed in a fight or a melee. Mikel refrained from taking the idea any further because he did not wish to contradict Aerion's wishes to fight the melee in the spirit of fairness. He offered his opinion when he felt it merited offering and kept Aerion's expressed intention in mind when giving his opinion. Soon their small council was over though and Mikel wishes the others the best of luck and made his way to his pavilion.
[Im good with /scene]
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Post by Trystane Sand on Aug 19, 2019 1:00:12 GMT 1
[/scene is fine for me]
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