OOC V

The going theory I remember some PC's having is that Lady Maegelle had Ashara killed to break the betrothal, which Normyn may or may not have been a part of, I don't remember what information Laena uncovered when looking into it, I seem to recall something about the assailants being from Fossoway lands and Maegelle is a Fossoway and she and/or Normyn visited Cider Hall at the right time to have them hired....something like that.

But why would anyone trust what the narrator says.....

Depends on whether you view Bloodraven as a reliable source. If you do, Normyn was present during the time Maegelle likely ordered it.

Though, as stated, Laena hasn't exactly been repeating this to all and sundry.

This duel of honor has me so scared... its why I havent updated. Im debating on risking it all on a chance that he will be unhorsed, using a tourney lance and chopping him down from atop his horse, but then if it doesnt work he is going to lose for sure....

Thoughts??

IMO Normyn is trying to gain favor with Walgrave. I doubt he'd kill you or cause significant injury to the point of taking a Drawback. But then again Ashara wasn't that chummy with the Cordwayners outside of Roland (I don't remember how much of that was IC knowledge).

From an RP perspective what is gained by winning? What is gained by losing? Is using a DP important for this? Do you think Father has any surprises in store for you. Success and failure are powerful motivators. How would Robyn react to "failing" the Blackbars then failing another Dornish girl?

And don't forget, Balon is waiting in the wings.

Edit: Roland's idea of saving her from the noose or life as a silent sister is a great idea.

Sorry, corrected my post - meant True Knight!

Lots of good input here, so I'll just toss in my two copper stars: so long as you don't regret what choices you make in the fight, you've done it 'right'.

(warning, wall of text ahead)

To elaborate, instead of thinking about how to win the duel, I think it is better to think about how much you the player and Robin-the-character are willing to risk here. This is one event in a much larger story. It could become a pivotal event to Robin, or he could have largely forgotten about it in a few weeks of game time.

This comes to two points -
1) DP are a meta-game currency. The character can put their life on the line and you as a player can keep a DP in reserve to ensure they don't actually die. From an IC perspective it is a nigh-miraculous recovery, no one could ever (believably) accuse the character of not giving everything to win. On the flip side, the character doesn't know they exist so if he is not willing to die for Wenda, then yielding with or without having spent DP is an appropriate choice, too.

2) Instead of trying to figure out how to win the duel, think of what Robin-the-character would think is the 'best' or 'proper' way to fight it. He clearly has an affinity for jousting, and the Reach as a whole holds it as the highest form of noble combat so leaning into that makes sense from a character perspective. Beyond that, how clever is he? How honorable? Would he fight dirty to save Wenda, even though it may be another nail in the coffin for Falyse? Is he clever and innovative, or does he a believe that the traditions and long-standing 'best practices' are the most reliable way to do things? Many more possible questions, but I think you get the idea.

Those two points set the bounds of what choices you might make, and significantly reduce the decision-space. Beyond that, there are no wrong choices. Questions about what is more or less optimal, and whether or not a certain action would be perceived as dishonorable or similar can be asked as they arise