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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 23, 2020 2:53:09 GMT 1
*Prior to Mission 1*
While the Brackens might have invited knights of note to fight their battles or to join their war councils, any who weren’t Lord Oakheart still found themselves taking their evening meals and drinks around campfires rather than the hearths of Stone Hedge. Most notable were the three young commanders, ambitious men who all came to the Riverlands to fight someone else’s war.
“To King Daemon Blackfyre, First of his name, soon may he reign!”
His half-brother downed his flagon, excited that he could express himself so openly and eager to march on Mudgrave on the morrow.
“First we’ll send the Blackwoods running, and then the False King!”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 25, 2020 6:46:17 GMT 1
Balon had been drinking with a multitude of people in the camps. Bracken soldiers, freeriders, knights, squires, and anyone else who cared to have one last good hurrah before the war started in earnest. With an arm around a friend's shoulder he sang along with a group of men-at-arms.
"Our bodies are covered with armor,
And our lances are incredibly long,
We're fearsome and proud,
And we bellow out loud,
To show that we're mighty and strong!"
They all cheered at the end and drained their cups in solidarity. In time he found himself moving on to another group and noticed livery with a silver three-headed Targaryen dragon on a sea-green field. "Wildfyre!" Balon exclaimed as his shook the Great Bastard's hand, "How the hell are you!" In his drunken state Balon was less formal and more familiar with Ser Daeron. When Blackfyre was toasted Balon readily parroted Daeron, "To the future king!" Such treasonous talk was becoming more commonplace and Balon relished it. In time the wrongs of the past decade would be made right.
Balon grabbed a stool and settled in around the campfire. As he talked a wench came and made herself comfortable on his lap. She was pretty by camp-follower standards but nothing of note. He'd have her lean in every once in awhile so he could whisper a bawdy joke only to have her laugh and playfully slap his chest. He could've taken her if he'd wanted but he was keeping his word to Laena. It doesn't matter where I build up my appetite as long as I go home to eat. The war council had ended and orders were slowly being issued. Balon had done well for himself and gotten a choice command. "Serrr Daeron," Balon slurred slightly, "Have you heard where you'll be going? What Blackwood bastard will be tasting yer steel?"
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Mar 29, 2020 4:01:09 GMT 1
In a different setting a knight with a mixed reputation like Ser Balon might have received a cooler reception, but Daeron was in a good mood, a little drunk himself, and the revolutionary mood in the camp only served to energize him.
"You sly Snakeater, you plan on stealing my glory?" he said with false admonition. "Assuming that you can keep away, I'll be leading the charge into Mudgrave along with Ser Normyn. It's no grand fortress, but a wealthy trading village is still a worthy prize.
What about you? Planning on capturing Raventree all by yourself?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Mar 29, 2020 7:44:47 GMT 1
Balon smiled as he teased, "Don't worry, I'll leave some spare glory lying around for ya." The woman sitting on Balon's lap leaned in and whispered something into his ear. He smiled and whispered back before patting her on the thigh. She got up and sauntered off, giving Ser Daeron a seductive smile as she passed by. Balon stared at her backside for a moment, his glazed eyes appreciating the view. Turning back to Daeron he answered his question, "Raventree? Nah. There'll be plenty of time to raze that den of heathens. For now I make for Pennytree. Fat in riches and nestled in between the Teats. I'm told Redtusk will join me." The tone in Balon's last sentence suggested he didn't know if Redtusk's presence was an honor or meant to keep him in line. "The Brackens would love to have the Teats back. I plan to deliver it to them."
"As for Mudgrave, I hear that's a market town. Plenty of coin to be had eh? Good to hear you're going with Ser Normyn, the man is as good with a blade as he is leading men. I look forward to hearing of your exploits." Balon paused as he drained the remainder of his cup, "Speaking of exploits why isn't Ser Addam here? I imagine the hero of the Rosewood could cement his legacy with a few notable victories in the Riverlands."
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 6, 2020 0:19:14 GMT 1
He gives a laugh and a toast when the "Hero of the Rosewood" is mentioned.
"My cousin has little need of coin or fame, not when he's already so well endowed with both. What is needed though is for at least one of the more talented Companions to remain at Kingsbridge and to keep an eye on the Reach for us, especially if Lord Piggy sets his beady little eyes on our lands. The man is a glutton, especially for that which doesn't belong to him."
What's unspoken; however, is the implication that Ser Roland is in the Riverlands and not in the Bracken camp. Daeron's face seems disappointed that his friend, an anointed knight, would willingly choose to fight on behalf of the openly heathen Blackwoods.
"But yes, Ser Normyn and I will deliver Mudgrave back to its rightful owners in short order. There's nothing that two sons of a king shouldn't be able to accomplish, especially against some backwoods militias."
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 10, 2020 7:18:30 GMT 1
He gives a laugh and a toast when the "Hero of the Rosewood" is mentioned. "My cousin has little need of coin or fame, not when he's already so well endowed with both. What is needed though is for at least one of the more talented Companions to remain at Kingsbridge and to keep an eye on the Reach for us, especially if Lord Piggy sets his beady little eyes on our lands. The man is a glutton, especially for that which doesn't belong to him."What's unspoken; however, is the implication that Ser Roland is in the Riverlands and not in the Bracken camp. Daeron's face seems disappointed that his friend, an anointed knight, would willingly choose to fight on behalf of the openly heathen Blackwoods. Balon said with a smirk. "More!" he laughed as he went to drink out of an empty cup. He held it up and yelled, "Someone get me more!" He laughed again, "See, I've already had plenty of wine and I still want more." Balon leaned forward and focused a little, "Does Ser Addam remain to keep an eye on the Reach or keep an eye on Kingsbridge to ensure Lady Lysette doesn't push her father to publicly swear their loyalty to the false king?" Balon didn't know the exact politics of Kingsbridge but he knew Lysette was a loyalist, the Companions were divided, and Ser Aemon remained silent. "Tell me Wildfyre, what will you do if House Starling declares for the Targaryens?" Balon knew what he'd do if the Blackbriars sided with the king but wanted to know what Ser Daeron would do. "Rumor has it Ser Roland fights for the Blackwoods. That must be tough for not only you and Ser Addam but Lord Starling. His own knights on the opposite side of a conflict. I suppose what matters to him is his Companions fight with honor." "But yes, Ser Normyn and I will deliver Mudgrave back to its rightful owners in short order. There's nothing that two sons of a king shouldn't be able to accomplish, especially against some backwoods militias." Balon tried to act nonchalantly but it was clear he was asking for a reason. |
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 12, 2020 4:22:39 GMT 1
"More, more, more. That's your problem Balon, it's never enough for you," he thought without a sense of irony.
Daeron chuckles as he tops off Balon's cup, giving him time to craft a response.
"Lord Starling will follow his conscious, and if not he will at least follow the lead of Lord Leo." A non-answer, but hopefully it would be good enough to deflect Balon's line of questioning for the time being. "I won't speak for my liege, but I imagine that you're right that he would prefer his knights to fight with honor and conviction, no matter their cause."
As for Ser Normyn, I can't say that I know my half-brother very well, but I imagine that we will get to know each other in the course of this campaign. Why do you ask?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 20, 2020 6:24:29 GMT 1
Daeron chuckles as he tops off Balon's cup, giving him time to craft a response. "Lord Starling will follow his conscious, and if not he will at least follow the lead of Lord Leo." A non-answer, but hopefully it would be good enough to deflect Balon's line of questioning for the time being. "I won't speak for my liege, but I imagine that you're right that he would prefer his knights to fight with honor and conviction, no matter their cause."Balon let the matter of Kingsbridge's loyalty lie. He didn't particularly care about House Starling. While true the Companions were a renowned collection of knights they paled in comparison to the forces the Hightowers, Cranes, or even the Merryweathers could muster. The principal houses and the Tyrells themselves were the focus of Balon's attention. He'd trade the life of Lord Starling for Lord Tyrell in a second. While it'd pain him to do so he'd put a dagger in Ser Aemon's heart if it meant the full force of Oldtown marched under Blackfyre's banner. What mattered most to Balon was Addam and Daeron fought for Blackfyre when the time came. While Balon would never verbalize it he hoped Ser Roland (the lesser) would fight for Blackfyre. He was everything Balon had dreamt of being before the Black Tourney had put him on a very different path. The sting of jealousy stung deep and Balon took a drink to dull it. As for Ser Normyn, I can't say that I know my half-brother very well, but I imagine that we will get to know each other in the course of this campaign. Why do you ask?" Balon made sure Daeron's cup stayed full as they talked about House Cordwayner "Ser Normyn's a good man and a great knight. Sadly he, Lady Maegelle, and his niece and nephew have been the subject of patently false rumors." Balon had made a point to slow his drinking as they talked. "It all started with the rumors Lady Ashara spread and has spiraled out of control since then. Now it seems the Levalles are involved as well. If I didn't know any better I'd say there's a concerted effort to bring the house to ruin. Not complete ruin mind you, just enough to allow someone else to step in. Someone who has professed his loyalty to the King." Balon didn't mention Roland by name, he didn't have to. "Do you feel conflicted? Fighting alongside your half-brother knowing your fellow Companion fights for the enemy and seeks to usurp his nephew's birthright?"There was no accusation, no hostility in his voice. Balon simply wanted to know where Wildfyre stood. |
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on Apr 25, 2020 17:47:27 GMT 1
Daeron's face was full of melancholy at the topic.
"The situation is not.. ideal to say in the least. Ser Roland is a friend and a well-made knight, and he's also a terribly dangerous combatant, more than he's often given credit for. My preference is obviously that he fight alongside us against the Blackwoods and perhaps later the Usurper, but I fear that it is too late to change his allegiance now."
"I had hoped that I could broker an agreement between him and Bittersteel at Whitegrove, he seemed interested in changing who he might consider king in exchange for Bittersteel's endorsement of his own claim on the lordship but neither of them could come to an agreement that they were satisfied with. In retrospect it was the outcome that I should have expected anyway."
"I think that Lord Quentin will be an excellent lord and I have no doubt that he will lend the full strength of Hammerhal to our cause, but seeing a friend elevated is always a worthy cause as well, especially if that friend is apt to join in defending the kingdom from its own demise and corruption. Alas, this conflict will force all of us to make unenviable choices before it's through."
He takes a long draught from his cup before turning the line of questioning back to Balon.
"What about you? It seems that who remains at Gyldenhaal are aligning themselves with the Iron Throne. How does it feel to be in a looming conflict with your own kin?"
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Apr 29, 2020 7:35:46 GMT 1
Daeron's face was full of melancholy at the topic. "The situation is not.. ideal to say in the least. Ser Roland is a friend and a well-made knight, and he's also a terribly dangerous combatant, more than he's often given credit for. My preference is obviously that he fight alongside us against the Blackwoods and perhaps later the Usurper, but I fear that it is too late to change his allegiance now." By Balon's recount Roland didn't posses Fireball's tactical acumen but then again who did. "All Ser Roland lacks is a fiery temper and one wouldn't be able to distinguish the two apart." Balon let out a short, almost bitter laugh. "I find it odd he doesn't support Ser Daemon. He seems exactly like the type of knight that would do so. Fuck, he's even friends with Redtusk." Balon cocked his head at Daeron's last sentence. "Why do you think it's too late?" He assumed it was because Maegelle and Normyn had thrown their lot in with the rebels but Balon wanted to hear it from Daeron. "I had hoped that I could broker an agreement between him and Bittersteel at Whitegrove, he seemed interested in changing who he might consider king in exchange for Bittersteel's endorsement of his own claim on the lordship but neither of them could come to an agreement that they were satisfied with. In retrospect it was the outcome that I should have expected anyway." Balon struggled to keep his face neutral as Daeron spoke of the meeting. Roland was willing to sell his loyalty for a lordship? He didn't know how to respond. This was information that needed to be shared but a dozen different thoughts simultaneously crossed his mind. His promise to Laena. His meeting with Maegelle. The value of Ser Roland over Ser Normyn. However the strongest thought was that Roland, despite his highly-esteemed image, was no better than Balon. The thought seemed to lift a weight off his shoulders. The person he envied was just as flawed as he was. Implying the two weren't that dissimilar was a reach but it was easy for Balon to lie to himself. "Interesting." was all Balon was able to get out/ He took a drink to compose himself before asking a simple question, "I wonder what it'd take." "I think that Lord Quentin will be an excellent lord and I have no doubt that he will lend the full strength of Hammerhal to our cause, but seeing a friend elevated is always a worthy cause as well, especially if that friend is apt to join in defending the kingdom from its own demise and corruption. Alas, this conflict will force all of us to make unenviable choices before it's through."He takes a long draught from his cup before turning the line of questioning back to Balon. "What about you? It seems that who remains at Gyldenhaal are aligning themselves with the Iron Throne. How does it feel to be in a looming conflict with your own kin?" To the question of House Blackbriar's loyalty Balon was brutally honest. "No one that remains at Gyldenhaal is worth a fuck. Lord Jon is a weakling. Lady Erena is no fool but rumors of her infidelity surfaced at Highgarden. Their son Joffrey is tucked away in that backwater shit-hole in the Starkwood. And Lady Erena's brother Lord Armond (Caswell) dishonored himself by marrying a commoner. There is nothing special about Gyldenhaal. Now take my family. Titus is an accomplished tourney knight and supports Ser Daemon. My other brother Vortimer serves at Starpike and won the squire competition at the Black tourney. My sister Delia is set to become the lady of Old Oak." Balon dryly added, "There is no one at left at Gyldenhaal that can stand against me." |
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 2, 2020 4:37:42 GMT 1
“Two reasons: Lady Maegelle and Highgarden.
Now that his good sister and her allies have committed themselves to Ser Daemon’s cause their conflict is now inescapably entwined with politics. Who rules in King’s Landing will inevitably determine who rules at Hammerhal.” He then takes a moment to look at Balon. Daeron’s face wasn’t accusatory, but it wasn’t *not* accusatory either.
“Highgarden also turned his loyalties to the king. Poor behavior by some in our faction, such as the Brute of Bracken, did no favors for winning men such as Ser Roland over to our cause. I fear the best we can expect now is for him to remain neutral.”
When Balon speaks of Glyndenhaal, Daeron is surprised. He knew little of what went on within House Blackbriar, and seemed almost shocked when Balon mentioned that none could stand against him.
“So do you have intentions of seizing Glyndenhaal then or are you content to serve at Starpike?”
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 11, 2020 6:34:56 GMT 1
“Two reasons: Lady Maegelle and Highgarden.
Now that his good sister and her allies have committed themselves to Ser Daemon’s cause their conflict is now inescapably entwined with politics. Who rules in King’s Landing will inevitably determine who rules at Hammerhal.” He then takes a moment to look at Balon. Daeron’s face wasn’t accusatory, but it wasn’t *not* accusatory either. “Highgarden also turned his loyalties to the king. Poor behavior by some in our faction, such as the Brute of Bracken, did no favors for winning men such as Ser Roland over to our cause. I fear the best we can expect now is for him to remain neutral.” Balon took a drink, "But he doesn't, does he? He supports the King because Maegelle and Ser Normyn support Blackfyre. You just said he offered to switch sides if Bittersteel would support him." Balon shook his head, "That sounds like a man selling his blade for a lordship, not a chivalrous knight with foolproof evidence of his right to Hammerhal." Balon waived a hand dismissively at the mention of the Brute, "Convenient that Ser Roland ignores the assassination of Lord Jon Hightower but uses a thousand year old blood feud as reason to support the King." Balon certainly hadn't helped matters but he wasn't about to admit that. "Each side has blackguards. The Brute and the Ironhand. Bloodraven's assassins and whoever is killing the Dornish in the Reach." Balon thought back to the melee at Highgarden, "Black Tom Heddle killed the heir to Red Lake in the melee and he serves a loyalist house. That little cunt from Starkwood killed Scorpionbane and he's a loyalist. Where is Ser Roland's anger at those deaths? Why hasn't he chose to remain neutral and do as Lord Starling commands? His outrage seems selective. Almost like he's aligning himself with whoever he thinks gives him the best chance of usurping his nephew." Perhaps Roland is more clever than I give him credit for.When Balon speaks of Glyndenhaal, Daeron is surprised. He knew little of what went on within House Blackbriar, and seemed almost shocked when Balon mentioned that none could stand against him. “So do you have intentions of seizing Glyndenhaal then or are you content to serve at Starpike?” Balon wrinkled his nose in thought. "I have no real claim. While there are rumors of Lady Erena's infidelity I doubt they're true. And if they are I have no evidence of her indiscretions. Even if I seized the castle my victory would be measured in the time it took Lord Leo to march on Gyldenhaal and take my head. I plan to serve the cause and see Ser Daemon crowned King. My hope is I contribute enough to be rewarded.. handsomely." |
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Post by Daeron Wildfyre on May 20, 2020 3:39:08 GMT 1
"I don't imagine that he's too very impressed with the actions of those individuals either, but you must admit that Bloodraven and his agents have certainly been more discreet in their wrongdoing. There's no doubt that he or one of his compatriots was behind the murder of Lord Hightower and numerous other crimes, but they've yet to be caught bloody-handed. This is in contrast to blackguards such as Otho who couldn't go for more than a day at Highgarden without besmirching his house's name and acting as more of a liability to our cause than as an asset."
He stares at the fire for a long time and Balon sees the flames dancing in his eyes.
"We've all been guilty of weighing down Ser Daemon's cause on more than one occasion, but here in the Riverlands is our first real opportunity to make that all right. We can show the realm that House Bracken is more than just a murderous Brute, but a bulwark of the Faith against the heathen and an outpost of chivalry against outlander mercenaries. We can repair our reputations and show that we're not just capable of commanding men, but our own desires as well."
Daeron went on for a while longer, but his words started to make less sense as his monologue became loftier. He was getting preachy–the ale must have started getting to him.
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on May 26, 2020 6:11:36 GMT 1
"I don't imagine that he's too very impressed with the actions of those individuals either, but you must admit that Bloodraven and his agents have certainly been more discreet in their wrongdoing. There's no doubt that he or one of his compatriots was behind the murder of Lord Hightower and numerous other crimes, but they've yet to be caught bloody-handed. This is in contrast to blackguards such as Otho who couldn't go for more than a day at Highgarden without besmirching his house's name and acting as more of a liability to our cause than as an asset." Daeron was right. The king's supporters were much more discreet in their murders. But they're murderers none the less. "I don't mean to belabor the point but which is worse; poison, the tool of women and the cowardly or Ser Otho continuing his family's blood feud?" Balon raised his left hand, "On one hand you have the king's agents assassinating the second most powerful lord in the Reach." He raised his right hand, "And on the other you have Ser Otho, looking for revenge after his brother was so recently killed by Blackwood dogs." He'd heard the rumors it wasn't the Blackwoods that'd killed Ser Daven but he chose to ignore them. "and... AND the Ironhand dishonorably killed his uncle, Ser Kevan."It doesn't specify Ser Kevan and Otho's familial relationship but I'm guessing it's uncle/nephew."I'm not claiming Ser Otho is some paragon of virtue, he isn't. But how far would you go for vengeance?" Balon raised an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side as he finished his sentence. What would Wildfyre do in Ser Otho's boots? There was the other matter of Otho and Ser Mikel that had reared it's ugly head at Highgarden but the alcohol had fogged Balon's mind and he couldn't remember the details of the hostility between the two. "Ser Otho is an asset, a tool to be used, a war-dog. If anything we need a stronger leash."Balon finished the contents of his cup. "You know Ser Roland. What if we spoke to him when we returned to the Reach? Lets set aside his quest to usurp his nephew's seat for a moment," Just uttering those words made him want to retch. "and if he won't join us perhaps we can convince him to take the path of neutrality."He stares at the fire for a long time and Balon sees the flames dancing in his eyes. "We've all been guilty of weighing down Ser Daemon's cause on more than one occasion, but here in the Riverlands is our first real opportunity to make that all right. We can show the realm that House Bracken is more than just a murderous Brute, but a bulwark of the Faith against the heathen and an outpost of chivalry against outlander mercenaries. We can repair our reputations and show that we're not just capable of commanding men, but our own desires as well."Daeron went on for a while longer, but his words started to make less sense as his monologue became loftier. He was getting preachy–the ale must have started getting to him. Balon raised an empty cup in salute, "To the first of many victories!" He went to drink and laughed at the empty cup before refilling it. As the night went so too did the point of the long winded stories he told. |
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Post by Balon Blackbriar on Aug 29, 2020 20:51:11 GMT 1
*** After Act 1 ***
The assault on Pennytree had been a success. Publicly Balon never doubted a victory for the Bracken forces but in private he admitted to a select few that the outcome had hung in the balance until the very end. Heeding the advice of Fireball he'd kept the looting and raping to a minimum and while morale had suffered slightly, in the end winning soothed all egos. Balon had personally come away with over 20,000 stags and just as important, Redtusk had respected him a little bit more for his restraint.
Back at Stone Hedge men trickled in from the various battles and sieges to share stories and celebrations. Balon made his way around the camps to hear of what had happened. Lord Walgrave and the Red Lion had secured the Teats furthering strengthening the Bracken hold on Pennytree. Ser Aubrey and Fireball had taken Muddy Hall. Balon spoke with Ser Normyn about his success at Mudgrave and went to find Wildfyre to hear about his role in the attack.
During all the celebrations a great many camp followers and whores approached him. Surely after a good fight nothing calmed a man down like a good fuck. It was tempting, oh so tempting for Balon to give in. One in particular, Penny Jenny, was said to do things the pillow houses of Lys forbade. In the end Balon passed on all of them for he had made a promise and he intended to keep that promise. As he walked he smiled thinking back to what he'd said to Ser Aerion in what seemed like a lifetime ago, I'm going to fuck her until her cunny explodes. At this rate that's going to be true.
Eventually Balon found the Wildfyre. "HO!" he hollered. "May I join you in a round of drinking and lance measuring?" he laughed as he looked to speak with his friend.
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