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Post by Father on Feb 7, 2020 13:12:45 GMT 1
DavosSer Dennis Hightower, though not minding a chat, is mostly the delivery man today, a letter from his brother Ser Raymun. It is a mostly subtle inquiry, but rather obviously a test as to whether Davos' history as a sellsword might make him open to offer his services on Ser Raymun's side in the contest for the Hightower regency. A great deal of effort have been made not to offer insult by assuming Davos' loyalty might be for sale, but it is clear enough that Ser Raymun would be inclined to pay should that be so. MikelSer Ulbert finds the time to seek out Mikel, complementing him on his takedown of The Brute of Bracken at Whitewalls, a pity that Ser Aubrey decided to be a gallant fool and thus prevent him from offering help against Otho. Although from the recollection Mikel had heard, Ulbert had singled out Lord Bracken and who knows what might have happened if Aubrey had not been there to shield him, if Ulbert had wanted to help against Otho, he would not have done as he did. Ulbert also have some tips on how to overcome the Brute, if Mikel is inclined to hear them, although nothing that Mikel haven't already considered, it is fairly well known what The Brute can do, he is simply extremely difficult to stop.
People can respond however they like, although prejudice says hi to Mikel. Will be adding things for other PC's later, may not have something for everyone, we'll see.
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Post by Davos Dayne on Feb 10, 2020 20:19:27 GMT 1
Davos greets Dennis warmly, and welcomes a chat. At first, it is mostly a discussion of the current conflict, but gradually turns to House Hightower. He makes it clear that while he not currently seeking work as a sell-sword, he is not opposed to considering an offer. Of course, he is in service at Starkwood and would need to get the permission of Lord Ulbert, though for a good cause that shouldn't be too difficult.
In particular, Davos asks about Ser Raymun, whom he has not yet had the pleasure of meeting. He attempts to learn - as delicately and inoffensively as possible - whether Ser Raymun intends to take the regency by force, or is merely preparing to defend against those that might attempt to do so themselves.
[OOC] I don't think anything I'm asking about should need a full-blown intrigue, but Davos is actively seeking information and is doing his best to determine what Ser Dennis thinks as well as what he says, so let me know if you want me to make any rolls.
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Post by Father on Feb 11, 2020 16:01:29 GMT 1
Davos
No, no such thing as the drawing of swords is expected from anyone to try and force any issue, just voices raised in support to tip the balance in the favor of the man with experience at governing Oldtown rather than an untested young man or someone putting their own interests first, and the prosperity of the house and it's domains a distant second, if it even qualifies. The name of House Dayne does carry no small amount of weight in many places.
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Post by Davos Dayne on Feb 11, 2020 17:59:05 GMT 1
Davos looks surprised, but relieved. It is good to know that such disputes can still be resolved with words alone in these turbulent times.
He chuckles about how much has changed in the centuries since King Samwell the Starfire sacked Oldtown, or even since Ser Joffrey Dayne slew Garmon Hightower in battle while attempting to do the same during the first Targaryan invasion of Dorne. Davos may have made his living off of war, but that didn't mean he liked it better than peace, especially when it threatens one's own loved ones.
His sword was for sale for a good cause, but no, his voice - or more so his house's name - were not. However, if Ser Raymun felt that his voice would carry some weight, Davos would consider speaking up - though given the history between their two houses Davos wasn't sure it would do more help than harm. The court was not a battlefield he had much experience with though, so he would defer to a seasoned leader like Ser Raymun, as any warrior with half a brain should do. He is careful not to even so much as imply he would get involved, but it is clear that he is at least receptive to Ser Raymun's cause.
In truth though he was far from certain whether or not he should get involved, or if he did on whose behalf. He certainly found Ser Dennis to be a pleasant enough man and they shared the bond of men risking their lives for the same cause. More so he was encouraged that Ser Raymun would reach out to a Dornishman - and especially one from a house that had formerly been a dire enemy to his own.
He needed more information, and there was only one person he could think of that might have that information and he trusted to have his and his family's best interest in mind - his sister Allyria. Later that evening he writes her a letter, asking her advice. He had told Ser Dennis that he would defer to a seasoned leader, but he had been thinking of his sister more than Ser Raymun.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Feb 12, 2020 8:00:31 GMT 1
[P3 Riverside Chats] Self Control Test - Will (ded.) v TN 15: 5d6k4 15Success When Mikel saw Ser Ulbert approaching he could immediately feel the tension within him. He concealed it as best he could with a respectful bow to give himself the time he needed to unclench his jaw. "Ser Ulbert, I certainly would not have objected to help." Impressing himself, he managed a thin smile. "I would appreciate hearing anything that you think might improve my odds for the next time the Brute and I cross blades." Mikel had the thought that this conversation might be an opportunity. He did not know for what, but stayed focused on that possibility to keep his mind off his opinion that this man was offering his protection to the raper Tarly.
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Post by Father on Feb 26, 2020 14:57:05 GMT 1
Davos
Most likely, Davos would find his sister in person long before a letter could reach her and the reply would find him, but it never hurts to write down one's thoughts.
Mikel
The Ironhand's advice is not really something Mikel doesn't already know, the other knight is mostly seeking to do a little bit of bonding.
Robyn
Davos is not the only one to be sought out by Ser Dennis, this time the renowned tourney knight has no letters to deliver, a cynic might suspect that praise and flattery from such an accomplished jouster is exactly what is needed to make a young knight inexperienced in courtly intrigue inclined to lap up his endorsement for his brother, Ser Raymun, when it comes to the question of the Hightower regency. Though Ser Dennis is hardly a master schemer, he has been a knight of The Hightower since before Robyn was born.
Balon
One Ser Morys of Oldmill, a not particularly impressive looking hedge knight, just another man with a warhorse and the arms to lock knees with the others in the heavy lance, at least half of them probably had never been knighted in the first place according to Fireball. He claims to have a message Balon will want to hear, in private.
Mikel can try a simple intrigue with charm for +1 disposition if he wants (but suffering penalty from disposition because of prejudice).
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Feb 26, 2020 21:14:49 GMT 1
BalonOne Ser Morys of Oldmill, a not particularly impressive looking hedge knight, just another man with a warhorse and the arms to lock knees with the others in the heavy lance, at least half of them probably had never been knighted in the first place according to Fireball. He claims to have a message Balon will want to hear, in private. Balon was always on the lookout for more information as wars weren't won solely through strength of arms. Ser Morys didn't seem particularly impressive but that didn't preclude him from learning of something of importance. While his interest was piqued Balon was also wary, he had heard of the bounty placed on his head by Lord Blackwood and Balon was keen on keeping it attached to his body. Morys didn't seem to be the type to plan an ambush but Balon was cautious nonetheless. After an extended appraisal of the knight before him Balon agreed. "Very well Ser Morys, let us walk out of ear shot of those around us and I will listen to what you have to say." Balon planned to move far enough away from the others to maintain privacy but close enough to be able to call for help if it was a trap.
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Post by Father on Feb 28, 2020 16:07:01 GMT 1
BalonSer Morys readily confesses to not be here for any belief in some high lord's causes, high lords battle one another and nothing changes for little men like him, except that clever little men can turn a nice profit on the scraps from the high lord's table when their quarrels upends it. And some friends of his, also little people, nobody Balon would know, happen to have found something which looks lie a very profitable venture, it appears that in the Reach, hedge knights have been disappearing all over, headed to the Red Mountains never to be heard from again. As there weren't any bandits encountered there, that did make certain little people wonder, what might have killed so many knights? Ser Vorian Dayne was said to be quite formidable, perhaps him? Perhaps someone thought to ensure that these hedge knights remained silent as the grave? Ser Morys' friends have hmm "persuaded" one such hedge knight one Ser Ondrew the Ox to keep them company on the road for quite some time, perhaps Balon knows of him? Ser Ondrew with his widow's peak, graying black hair receding at the temples. Teeth red from sourleaf. Ser Morys thinks Lord Bloodraven would pay well for his testimony, but perhaps Balon might pay even better? He and his friends have spent half their lives selling their swords to the highest bidder and one does not live into such advanced years by not knowing that there sometimes are better offers to be made. However much Ser Morys, if he even is a knight, tries to disguise it with flowery words, blackmail is the word for what he is doing. His description of Ser Ondrew the Ox is far too accurate for comfort. DaeronOn the way to Mudgrave, Ser Normyn, though easing into the conversation with trained caution and opening with a fair amount of flattery, has a topic to broach which may be difficult all the same. Joanna Peake. The cause is hardly served by Daeron binding himself to House Peake he thinks, better to pursue such ladies as Delia Hewett or Daena Roxton, the way Ser Normyn understands it, Ser Sebaston Rowan is now the favorite for Lady Daena's hand, with perhaps only Redtusk being any real competition now that Simon Tarly has revealed his true self. And Redtusk is as fickle about such things that one might think him having a preference for men, although Ser Normyn knows him enough to attest that is certainly not true. A Great Bastard could possibly have what is required to challenge the Rowan scion, Normyn have heard rumors of their brother Aerion, but the dragon on his cloak is of the wrong color, unfortunately. Ser Normyn had fancied himself a suitor, but the lady made quite clear that she had little interest in a marrying a man old enough to be her father.
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Post by Mikel of Harroway on Feb 29, 2020 8:45:11 GMT 1
Mikel thanked the Lord for his advice and said he would keep it in mind for his next encounter with the Brute. Then he went on to discuss his first encounter with him, which the Lord had surely heard before but Mikel provided the small details which only he could. The little pieces from the bar where he intervened as the brute stamped the unconcious Blackwood man, the farce of a trial, then being pursued and having to fight clear outside of the town. He mentioned that he had sent the winnings from a round at the Black Tourney to the fallen Knights widow, and asked if the Lord knew how she and her child were faring. Or was it children? Mikel was embarrassed to admit that he couldn't remember if it was a boy or a boy and a girl the man had left behind.
[OOC: If you need the link I can dig up it, pretty sure we only discussed it in my personal thread]
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Feb 29, 2020 18:11:02 GMT 1
As his half-brother tried to convince him that Lady Joanna Daeron couldn't hide his scowl, but he could conceal his clenched fist. Does he not think that I'm good enough for a Peake? The same royal blood runs in my veins as his.
However, Daeron held his tongue and quickly the scowl on his face was replaced with that of a cocked eyebrow and an intrigued grin. He hadn't imagined himself as the future Lord Protector of the Ringfort or wielder of Widowmaker in some time, not since the first days at Highgarden. Not to mention the gorgeous Lady Daena..
"An interesting thought brother, Lady Daena is certainly a prize worth pursuing and bringing the Ringfort over to our cause will certainly be an added boon. However, I hear that Lady Daena is to be given the privilege of choosing her own husband and the last interaction we've had was her rejecting me at Highgarden. What's your proposal for me regaining her attention?
Of almost equal importance, to what house had you thought of binding yourself if House Roxton is no longer an interest of yours?"
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 1, 2020 17:33:21 GMT 1
Robyn let out a long winded sigh, looking at The sky above him with an exasperated expression, “Why, by the Seven, does this keep happening?” He mutters to himself before turning his gaze to Ser Dennis, “Ser, it is an honor to see you again. But I don’t know if I am going to be much of a voice to support or even counteract any push for regency, at Oldtown or otherwise.” Robyn’s heart broke slightly at the thought of his last interaction with someone looking for regency, though he knew Lady Falyse wasn’t the woman she once was, he still loved her dearly. He hoped she wouldn’t resent him, and frankly, it turned him against all politics in general.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 2, 2020 6:43:50 GMT 1
BalonSer Morys readily confesses to not be here for any belief in some high lord's causes, high lords battle one another and nothing changes for little men like him, except that clever little men can turn a nice profit on the scraps from the high lord's table when their quarrels upends it. And some friends of his, also little people, nobody Balon would know, happen to have found something which looks lie a very profitable venture, it appears that in the Reach, hedge knights have been disappearing all over, headed to the Red Mountains never to be heard from again. As there weren't any bandits encountered there, that did make certain little people wonder, what might have killed so many knights? Ser Vorian Dayne was said to be quite formidable, perhaps him? Perhaps someone thought to ensure that these hedge knights remained silent as the grave? Ser Morys' friends have him "persuaded" one such hedge knight one Ser Ondrew the Ox to keep them company on the road for quite some time, perhaps Balon knows of him? Ser Ondrew with his widow's peak, graying black hair receding at the temples. Teeth red from sourleaf. Ser Morys thinks Lord Bloodraven would pay well for his testimony, but perhaps Balon might pay even better? He and his friends have spent half their lives selling their swords to the highest bidder and one does not live into such advanced years by not knowing that there sometimes are better offers to be made. However much Ser Morys, if he even is a knight, tries to disguise it with flowery words, blackmail is the word for what he is doing. His description of Ser Ondrew the Ox is far too accurate for comfort. Kill him. Kill him now. DO IT!
The phrase repeated in Balon's mind as Ser Morys spoke. The good thing about freeriders and hedge knights was most of them would do as commanded in exchange for coin. The bad news was many of them had no qualms selling their story for coin too. And the story of Ser Vorian and the Red Mountains was one Balon didn't want repeated. Balon forced his face to remain neutral as Morys finished his "offer". Whatever Balon could pay he had no doubt Bloodraven could pay more. And paying now wouldn't guarantee they wouldn't come back for more later. "So this Ser Andrew," Balon purposefully mispronounced the name and acted like he didn't know exactly who Morys was referring to, "went into the Red Mountains to pillage like a common bandit and believes I was involved," he did his best to sound incredulous, "despite the fact I have knights of impeccable honor and lords who can attest to the opposite? Hmm." Balon rubbed his chin, "I'll admit I like a soldier with stones but instead of throwing this cow shit accusation against a wall and seeing if it sticks why not just come to me and seek service? I'm generous to my retainers and reward loyalty handsomely." Discretion pays extra.
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Post by Father on Mar 2, 2020 21:04:19 GMT 1
Mikel The Ironhand was away in Essos at the time, but with Otho's head still attached to his shoulders, there wasn't any happy ending to it.
Daeron Normyn happens to have a fondness for his niece and nephew, and given the vile lies that others are spreading, his marriage is the only one presently available to safeguard his future, House Peake would be be the safest bet in this regard. He does not say it directly, but there really is only one lady that would suffice for this.
Robyn He might be surprised by just how much weight the words of one who turns heads at the list, Ser Dennis thinks perhaps it is rather excessive. Compare someone like Redtusk to Lord Caswell, the former is great company in any tavern and terrible opposition in any tourney, the latter is neither, and yet he has rebuilt Bitterbridge from ruin and tremendous debts. Ser Dennis would heed the word of Lord Caswell over Redtusk in all things which has to do with managing lands and trade, and yet, there are a great many men who would just as easily think Redtusk equally knowledgeable on the subject. It is possible that this is the case, but the Redwyne scion has yet to be put to the test in such matters.
Balon
Ser Morys wonders where Balon's castle is? Besides, he is merely the messenger, or so he claims. Ser Ondrew's story is valuable, of course, but Ser Balon has no castle, and should not allow himself to be captured by the Blackwoods he hears. The prize on a knight's head, though Ser Otho's assailant probably was offered a heavier purse than the one Ser Ondrew might hope for a share of, unless Balon might care to sing another song? One that would make Ser Ondrew's tale much less useful as one wish for no contradictions to it. Balon is just a knight, with no castle. There are lords with castles. Why settle for some small trout when you could have a big fat salmon? It would appear that Ser Morys is fishing for The Old Oak, a much grander prize.
This Ulbert is just a knight, no lord.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 3, 2020 0:09:56 GMT 1
BalonSer Morys wonders where Balon's castle is? Besides, he is merely the messenger, or so he claims. Ser Ondrew's story is valuable, of course, but Ser Balon has no castle, and should not allow himself to be captured by the Blackwoods he hears. The prize on a knight's head, though Ser Otho's assailant probably was offered a heavier purse than the one Ser Ondrew might hope for a share of, unless Balon might care to sing another song? One that would make Ser Ondrew's tale much less useful as one wish for no contradictions to it. Balon is just a knight, with no castle. There are lords with castles. Why settle for some small trout when you could have a big fat salmon? It would appear that Ser Morys is fishing for The Old Oak, a much grander prize. Balon ignored the comment about being captured. I killed Lord Blackwood's lover, of course I don't want to be captured you oaf. He was unsurprised that Morys inferred he and his co-conspirators were after the Old Oak. His treasury is much larger than mine. If the extortionists thought Balon would sell out Lord Walgrave to save himself then they didn't know Ser Balon Blackbriar. Loyalty to his friends, family, and allies mattered to him and he'd be damned if he turned his cloak on them. "You think because I don't currently have a castle I can't afford to pay my retainers well?" Balon acted surprised by his assertion. "I'm sure all the merchants in Westeros would disagree with you. In fact if half the rumors are true about the Free Cities then their merchant princes would laugh at your assertion. Castles don't equate wealth." Balon didn't know exactly where he was going with his line of thought. At last count he had more money than House Blackbriar but he didn't plan to mention that to Ser Morys. Why put yet another target on his back? "I'm looking to expand my personal retinue and I pay well. If you, Ser Ondrew, and your friends are interested then we can talk. If you're looking for a handout based on a case of mistaken identity then I don't think I can help you." Balon shrugged, "The Riverlands are a target rich environment." Balon used Morys' own words against him, "Little men can turn a nice profit when high lords squabble. I might know how to fill all of our pockets." I believe Buckle was lightly defended last time I checked.
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Post by Robyn Redwolf on Mar 4, 2020 1:30:40 GMT 1
Robyn gave a nod, “A fair point. I’ve had discussions with both of them, and certainly Lord Caswell holds more authority on many subjects. Redtusk is a knight who I hope to one day surpass on the field, but it would be foolish to not acknowledge his pedigree and skill with navigating the courts as well,” Robyn crosses his arms, clicking his tongue, “I don’t think I’ve had the privilege of meeting your brother, and while I am sure if a knight of your honor and skill supports him that he is a man worthy of the position, I like to meet someone before I throw them my support.” His tone remains light hearted and playful, “Is he here? While I think there is an obvious separation between warrior and leader, the skills gained and utilized with a blade in your hand can sharpen the mind.” He gives a smile, “I think it is why Redtusk has such a quick wit and a keen sense of when and how to use his tongue and reputation.” Robyn looks around him, “So is he here?”
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