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Post by Father on Feb 10, 2020 15:58:09 GMT 1
LaenaFor one drawn to such places where other nobles go to see and be seen, to scheme and trade favors in the endless game of thrones, to meet Lord Durwell quickly turns into routine, he may have claimed that Oldtown is far away from his home, but he does defy the distance with frequent enough visits. Surely Laena would have some thoughts as to which of the four might make a suitable caretaker of the city in Lord Hightower's name? Or maybe even for Lord Blackbar? Her cousin squired there quite recently, did he not? She might then have more insight into the affairs of Bandallon than usual? AbelarLord Marq's intentions are hard to read, he could quite easily be suspected of asking for Abelar's perspective on the prospective appointment of a new member on the tribunal only to have different points of view to compare, he might perhaps merely be curious and probably the type to simply gather and hoard information awaiting an opportunity to act upon it. He might even be supportive of Abelar's views privately, though the man's reputation does not suggest any great piety. He readily admits to not having an intricate knowledge of the workings inside the Starry Sept, though he probably knows more than he pretends to. Or maybe he actually does not, he very much does seem the type to seek out friendly acquaintances whom he might regale with great interest in their knowledge, and most people are delighted to share such things, attention and interest being desirable by everyone.
As before, will be adding more of these as I go.
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Post by Septon Abelar on Feb 11, 2020 4:33:23 GMT 1
"Lord Durwell, a pleasure as always. You are a man with much knowledge of lords, ladies, and houses. I have a knowledge of the inner workings of the Faith. Let us share with one another, that we both might become wiser."
OOC: I'm assuming that Laena is not present? If she is, Abelar would still proceed as above, but would also acknowledge Laena.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Feb 11, 2020 20:27:04 GMT 1
For one drawn to such places where other nobles go to see and be seen, to scheme and trade favors in the endless game of thrones, to meet Lord Durwell quickly turns into routine, he may have claimed that Oldtown is far away from his home, but he does defy the distance with frequent enough visits. Surely Laena would have some thoughts as to which of the four might make a suitable caretaker of the city in Lord Hightower's name? Or maybe even for Lord Blackbar? Her cousin squired there quite recently, did he not? She might then have more insight into the affairs of Bandallon than usual? Laena grimaces slightly. "Regarding the Blackbars, sadly not. I have spoken with said cousin precisely once in over a decade, and was more focused on the immediate situation regarding the attack than seeking some brilliant insight from a man barely not a boy on the intricacies of the house dynamics. Not that I could trust anything he said, anyway - the b- young knight is, if you'll pardon the expression, dick-blind, hopelessly besotted with the young maiden he saved. So, I can almost certainly summarise what he would have said as 'Lady Falyse good. Ser Guyard bad. Why? Because he's a rival to Lady Falyse.' "In truth, I know little of Lady Falyse, and of Ser Guyard I know only that I view him as a suspect in the attack - had Lady Falyse died, his ascension to lordship would likely have been smooth, and he has a reputation for being ambitious." She smirks. "But ambition alone is not a sin, and motive alone does not make a crime. And a cynical and amoral person might observe that someone who could get away with such a crime would be displaying a number of skills useful for lordship." "Regarding the Hightowers, who would be the best regent from the Hightower perspective is a simple choice: Ser Raymun. An experienced knight, administrator, and leader. Pity, then, that were he to seem to be leading, he would near-certainly be assassinated for his loyalist leanings. "So, my support would be leaning towards Ser Abelar. Last I heard, he was still undeclared, meaning less likely to be assassinated by outside forces. It would be hard for the revolutionaries to argue against him, since they'd be expressly arguing for a woman to lead over a knight, which exposes the hypocricy of their movement rather too blatantly for comfort." She seems amused by the idea. "Really, what is required is for him to be married to the *right* woman. A lady of keen wit and political insight, of a house prestigious enough for a Hightower, but publicly undeclared, while privately having the 'right' leanings. Such a lady would help him secure his position firmly before making any kind of political stance, where it would be too late to stop." She smirks again. "The trick is, of course, finding a woman who could fit such a lofty bill." She raises a querying eyebrow towards the lord.
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Post by Father on Feb 12, 2020 16:28:06 GMT 1
Abelar
Marq quips a favorite saying of his mentor, Lord Bryce, that knowledge imparts no wisdom, just allows a man to pretend to be wise by making more informed decisions. If the good septon have a conundrum before him where his wisdom is not sufficient, or maybe great enough to realize that more knowledge always helps, it would sound reasonable indeed for Marq to help as he can if Abelar were to offer guidance in matters of the Starry Sept, but perhaps they instead might trust each other? Surely the septon must have spent a great deal of consideration about the inner workings of the faith and appointments to be made there? How can Marq possibly make a better conclusion with his limited knowledge and with his duties to his house claiming so much of his time? He does have friends at Oldtown and it's banners, so he dares consider himself rather knowledgeable when it comes to matters at the Hightower court, his own home being rather far away, his main interest being to help his friends, and they would suffer greatly under the wrong regent for their young liege lord. And there are lesser matters in play as well, such as the regency of Bandallon. Marq has a suspicion that Abelar perhaps not have found much time to devote to consider these things. It almost sounds like a veiled offer of Marq using his self-called "meager influence" to support whichever candidate Abelar might prefer in return for the septon's voice behind a candidate for another sort of appointment that interests Lord Durwell quite a deal more.
Laena
Marq seriously doubts that Ser Guyard would go to such lengths as to arrange an attack like that, nor is he likely to have the resources for it. It is his understanding that Lord Blackbar was likely to have favored Ser Raymnun for the Hightower regency, and his brother would surely be seen as a vote that might be bought, that is the only motivation he can think of besides a desire to have his wife and children lynched for the color of their skin, perhaps a bit of both? Bandallon's voice should not be influential enough to warrant such extreme measures, although when one considers how little motivation was required for the Hastwyck's to endure the same fate....then again, that culprit has more power at his command than any such as he ever should have, and a feeling of being invulnerable that one can only hope will bring about his undoing sooner rather than later. Ser Balon has an alibi he hears, though not one he should use to profess his innocence. While Lord Oakheart undoubtedly will open a cask of his finest to drink to the murderer, Marq does not think that old warhorse responsible, Lord Walgrave will happily butcher every single knight of Rhoynish blood in the whole world, but he would ride at them personally and head on, not in ambush from the shadows. Somehow, that would make him stoop to their level the way he sees it.
It occurs to Marq that Laena might have a look in the mirror as for finding such a lady, he has also heard a rumor that Ser Abelar has a good eye towards Lady Lynesse Daverhyl, as the daughter of a Hightower bannerman, none would raise an eyebrow at the union. He also have had a certain thought, which might be biased, considering that he and Lord Mullendore squired together, but he would be an able candidate that all parties ought to grumblingly find acceptable, or at least more so than each other. And a man likely to appreciate the skill and experience of Ser Raymun besides. If one were so inclined as to accept a very neutral Lord Hightower, Lady Rhonda would not be a bad choice, either. With Ser Abelar the battle would simply shift from who to name regent to both sides doubling down for Oldtown's allegiance. Lady Melara would be the same as her husband, which would occur to Marq that half the Reach would find very desirable, and make the other half disinclined to grieve should some tragic accident befall her.
These are stand-alone little meetings not considered consequential enough to have their own threads.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Feb 20, 2020 19:37:38 GMT 1
Marq seriously doubts that Ser Guyard would go to such lengths as to arrange an attack like that, nor is he likely to have the resources for it. It is his understanding that Lord Blackbar was likely to have favored Ser Raymnun for the Hightower regency, and his brother would surely be seen as a vote that might be bought, that is the only motivation he can think of besides a desire to have his wife and children lynched for the color of their skin, perhaps a bit of both? Bandallon's voice should not be influential enough to warrant such extreme measures, although when one considers how little motivation was required for the Hastwyck's to endure the same fate....then again, that culprit has more power at his command than any such as he ever should have, and a feeling of being invulnerable that one can only hope will bring about his undoing sooner rather than later. Ser Balon has an alibi he hears, though not one he should use to profess his innocence. While Lord Oakheart undoubtedly will open a cask of his finest to drink to the murderer, Marq does not think that old warhorse responsible, Lord Walgrave will happily butcher every single knight of Rhoynish blood in the whole world, but he would ride at them personally and head on, not in ambush from the shadows. Somehow, that would make him stoop to their level the way he sees it. When Marq idly mentions that Balon has an unclaimable alibi - undoubtedly referring to the massacre in the Riverlands Lord Blackwood accused him of - another piece of the puzzle falls into place for her, building on the plot she had inferred at the Cider Ball when she heard that rumour. "Kill the Blackbars for me," She imagines Bittersteel telling Ser Balon, "and I'll make sure that no-one even suspects you of the act."The fact that the only person to escape under his own power was of a house Balon swore to not harm, and that one of the knights literally passed her armed cousin by to attack the unarmed womenfolk was what lead her suspicions, but this only added to it. Putting that idea aside, she nods along to his analysis of Lord Walgrave, which matches her own information on the man. It occurs to Marq that Laena might have a look in the mirror as for finding such a lady, he has also heard a rumor that Ser Abelar has a good eye towards Lady Lynesse Daverhyl, as the daughter of a Hightower bannerman, none would raise an eyebrow at the union. She could wryly point out that it was a wise lord not too distant from where she stands now who pointed out that a lord requiring a political marriage had to look elsewhere than her, but instead, she smiles, flushes slightly, and accepts the compliment gracefully. She even manages to not snarl over the idea of Lady Lynesse marrying so well - the lady had apologised, and done so well, it is none of Laena's concern how she marries. It's not like she's reducing Laena's chances any. "My eye was pointing rather more towards your sister in this scenario, though I have no doubt she has her own plans." He also have had a certain thought, which might be biased, considering that he and Lord Mullendore squired together, but he would be an able candidate that all parties ought to grumblingly find acceptable, or at least more so than each other. And a man likely to appreciate the skill and experience of Ser Raymun besides. If one were so inclined as to accept a very neutral Lord Hightower, Lady Rhonda would not be a bad choice, either. With Ser Abelar the battle would simply shift from who to name regent to both sides doubling down for Oldtown's allegiance. Lady Melara would be the same as her husband, which would occur to Marq that half the Reach would find very desirable, and make the other half disinclined to grieve should some tragic accident befall her. Interesting. She had not been aware that Lady Rhonda was neutral. In fact, she seemed to recall that Balon had maybe implied he was assuming she lay in the revolutionary camp. She could be a politically savvy choice. Rather a boring one, though. The idea Marq suggested, though? That was interesting. "Lord Mullendore? However competent he may be, do you seriously think he stands a chance? With so many viable candidates from within the house, would a candidate from outside be likely to gain any traction whatsoever?"
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Post by Father on Feb 22, 2020 23:24:55 GMT 1
The only thing she has said on the subject were some flirtatious suggestions that since she is half Targaryen and Marq is only half her brother, the exceptionalism ought to apply to them. Although it sounds too much like something he himself might have said to dodge the topic entirely in her shoes, or maybe that's just what he wants to think? Though Ser Abelar Hightower is probably far too ordinary a character for her to be interested, though nobody ever knows what love might have planned. Pairing him up with Mariya Mullendore might be a more reasonable suggestion, though her father keeps trying to rope Marq into taking her, a perfect fit he says, Marq would surely have agreed if he was Lord Hightower and not the bannerman.
Although he might just become regent which would add to the appeal, and also add to the scrutiny and suspicion, first Marq's friend is given control of the Hightower, then Marq marries his daughter, hmm? Speaking of which, Lord Mullendore's chances mostly would rely on the other four all agreeing on that if they can't have it, neither should the other three. Or maybe just play on Lord Tyrell surely getting tired of their squabbles marring the grand tourney the Hightowers will be hosting in honor of the wedding for his son and heir. Such little tricks are not so likely to work if the old iron lady gets a whiff of them, but what if she can be included in the conspiracy?
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Post by Father on Mar 2, 2020 17:24:15 GMT 1
LysetteOf the many things being an only child and heir to the house brings, is an expectation of grandchildren, Lord Willem is not exactly subtle, he never were, in voicing his desire for such things. At least he have yet to embarrass anyone by asking about it outside of private moments with just the family.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 2, 2020 21:34:20 GMT 1
The only thing she has said on the subject were some flirtatious suggestions that since she is half Targaryen and Marq is only half her brother, the exceptionalism ought to apply to them. Although it sounds too much like something he himself might have said to dodge the topic entirely in her shoes, or maybe that's just what he wants to think? Though Ser Abelar Hightower is probably far too ordinary a character for her to be interested, though nobody ever knows what love might have planned. Pairing him up with Mariya Mullendore might be a more reasonable suggestion, though her father keeps trying to rope Marq into taking her, a perfect fit he says, Marq would surely have agreed if he was Lord Hightower and not the bannerman. Although he might just become regent which would add to the appeal, and also add to the scrutiny and suspicion, first Marq's friend is given control of the Hightower, then Marq marries his daughter, hmm? Speaking of which, Lord Mullendore's chances mostly would rely on the other four all agreeing on that if they can't have it, neither should the other three. Or maybe just play on Lord Tyrell surely getting tired of their squabbles marring the grand tourney the Hightowers will be hosting in honor of the wedding for his son and heir. Such little tricks are not so likely to work if the old iron lady gets a whiff of them, but what if she can be included in the conspiracy? Laena purses her lips, and her fingers tap air for a few moments in thought, before she finally speaks, in a tone that implies she's clearly thinking as she speaks. "A ruler imposed from without will always have a shakier grasp on power than one invited from within. Should they realise Lord Tyrell is considering choosing for them, it may just provoke them to making an ... unwise choice." She tilts her head. "I'd say it's possible, but I'd prefer to have the Hightowers make the decision, if possible." She closes her eyes and visualises the players, and their connections to each other. After a few moments, she opens them again. "Lady Melara." She nods. "The main line of the Hightowers is flesh of her flesh. I suspect she'll be more open to a line of argument which reduces the risk of her family tearing itself apart before the war has even started. "Sooo..." Her fingers tap air for a few moments again, as her eyes dart around. "Let's see... Regardless of your personal feelings towards them, family is family. And should family die, that weakens the family. No potential regent has overwhelming support, and should a potential regent with declared politics seem to be winning, an assassination by one side or the other before they could consolidate power is a definite risk. And someone without declared politics will be torn both ways, likely creating rancor on both sides. "Better, then, that the lion's share of the risk be taken by someone outside the house. Someone whose loss will not hurt the house. Without declared politics - let the rancor be his, and the benefit the house's. And someone with the political wit and wisdom to be a good regent. Who would remember well the first Hightower to step forward to nominate him. The kind of man to repay favours, and not forget a friend. Lord Mullendore, say." Her eyes re-focus on Marq. "It's a little rough around the edges, but do you think such an argument might carry weight with her? The fact that I derive no obvious benefit from the plan would help, but I don't really know the woman, how her mind works, or indeed her relationship with Lord Mullendore."
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Post by Father on Mar 15, 2020 22:42:43 GMT 1
Lady Melara? Marq thinks that one will be the last to yield, Raymun and Rhonda would be more likely to be pragmatic, especially if they should sense support for their own candidacy slipping away.
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Post by Father on Mar 21, 2020 18:48:45 GMT 1
Ser Imry, on his visit to The Tear asks the maester for a private consultation. He understands that the new arrival has a knack for discreetly arranging "accidents".
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 21, 2020 19:13:04 GMT 1
Lady Melara? Marq thinks that one will be the last to yield, Raymun and Rhonda would be more likely to be pragmatic, especially if they should sense support for their own candidacy slipping away. Laena frowns, and purses her lips in irritation. "Yet if it is slipping away from them, that likely strengthens Lady Melara, who is already in the strongest position, I hear. Meaning it could well be too late by then." She ponders a few moments. "And should they only put forward a new candidate once it is clear they have no path, that is likely to be seen more as petty spite than high-minded ideals." She closes her eyes briefly, before opening and re-focusing on Marq. "Still, there is little harm in approaching at least those two, maybe Ser Abelar as well if things go well, as a Lady interested in ensuring a strong realm persists after the succession is settled by suggesting a path to avoid a powerful house tearing itself apart too badly. If I approach with that angle, the worst that is likely to happen is they say 'no'." She nods firmly. "Better to try and fail than talk oneself out of even trying out of fear of what *might* happen."
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Post by Maester Rhaegor on Mar 22, 2020 18:46:03 GMT 1
Ser Imry, on his visit to The Tear asks the maester for a private consultation. He understands that the new arrival has a knack for discreetly arranging "accidents". (What do I know of Ser Imry? Is there a roll I can make?) Maester Rhaegor gives the knight a look of confusion, the only change in his expression is the raise in his right eyebrow, "Ser Imry, I don't believe we have had the pleasure of talking in person." Rhaegor sits in his chair in front of his neatly kept desk, the papers stacked in uniform piles and not a drop of ink to be found except in the curvature of his writing. "You must forgive me, my hearing isn't what it once was; accidental alchemy mishap when I was studying in the Citadel. One should be careful when mixing too many substances so close to flame, they have a tendency to blow up in your face." He gives a gentle smile, his eyes piercing into Ser Imry as he meets his gaze, his tone as smooth as butter on bread, "What was it that you said to me?"
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Post by Father on Mar 23, 2020 10:39:37 GMT 1
Laena
Abelar is young, surely Laena knows the type, men who haven't been knights for long enough to have any consequences of their actions to take responsibility for, or run away from, as some are wont to do. He thinks it is his obligation as the Lord Jon's oldest living son to step up, that someone else might serve House Hightower better than he is irrelevant he way he sees it.
Rhaegor
Rhageor need not be coy, Imry states, he knows about a certain expenditure Lord Alliser made for a certain incident at Cider Hall, with Rhaegor being the middleman.
Imry is the second son of Lord Alliser, you could ask in the OOC thread about what other PC's remember, Rhaegor should be aware of all that.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Mar 25, 2020 21:21:30 GMT 1
Abelar is young, surely Laena knows the type, men who haven't been knights for long enough to have any consequences of their actions to take responsibility for, or run away from, as some are wont to do. He thinks it is his obligation as the Lord Jon's oldest living son to step up, that someone else might serve House Hightower better than he is irrelevant he way he sees it. "Obligation? Urgh." She wrinkles her nose slightly. "He's going to be a pain, I just know it." She puffs out a long breath. "So. See if I can't wrench a few supporters free, first. But who to approach... "Lord Narbert, maybe? Argue that whoever he supports within the house is likely to provoke considerable internal rancor within the house, so if he wants the best outcome for the house, he has to look outside the house?" She wrinkles her nose. "It's a stretch, but Lady Janna, maybe, with the same approach? Not particularly likely to succeed, but a powerful symbol if it works. "As for a third to approach ... Lord Balman? He's supposed to be good-natured, by reputation at least."
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Post by Father on Mar 26, 2020 22:29:49 GMT 1
Lady Janna's price for not supporting her father would be a marriage to Marq, perhaps she will have her wish, but odds are that Ser Raymun must be selected regent first, something he is not too likely to accomplish without giving her hand to a man of great influence. Lord Durwell has not come to be where he is now by placing big bets on uncertain outcomes. Unless it is to make everyone follow suit so that the bet placed for him will then pay off handsomely.
There is of course the regent to be of Bandallon, whoever it is will have a vote to cast, and they will be needing votes behind their own name.
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