[SIFRP] House Llayne of Riverstone Hall

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Myself, along with Lord-Leafar, asdelbr, nicholscs, and Starswords held a House-making session this afternoon in preparation for the first game session this coming Tuesday, 1/1/13.


This thread will chronicle the saga of House Llayne of Riverstone Hall, an ancient house dating back to the coming of the Andals, which currently owes fealty to the Tullys of Riverrun. The game is set ~10 years before the events of the novels, while the dust raised in Westeros by the Usurper's war is still settling.

 

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House Llayne

Lord: Brodrik Llayne


Seat: Riverstone Hall


Leige: Hoster Tully


House Sheet: http://tinyurl.com/d39pw4d

 

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House Llayne traces its line back to the very first Andal incursions into the Riverlands. In the millenia since their founding, the Lords Llayne have owed fealty to River Kings, Kings of the Rock, the Ironborn, and most recently House Tully, when they were made Lords Paramount of the Riverlands by Aegon the Conqueror. Throughout all of this turmoil, they have quietly endured, holding modest lands on the north bank of the Tumblestone River, near the border with the Westerlands. The family never gained great prominence through the years, due largely to the fact that until Lord Connor Llayne converted to the Faith after submitting to Aegon the Conqueror, the scions of House Llayne have historically held to the Old Gods. This never put them in high esteem amongst the other lords of the Riverlands, who bask in the light of the Seven.


Across the Tumblestone lie the lands of House Bennet, whose seat is the Floodgate, which sits on a hill over an eponymous stone dam which closes off and back-floods a deep, narrow gorge. Centuries ago, the Tullys installed the Bennets and built the Floodgate as a way of controlling seasonal flooding in the lands surrounding Riverrun. Due to their control over a shared resource, and their strong ties to House Tully, the Llaynes have had occasion to mislike and envy the Bennets, which has led to sporadic feuds, though the Lords of Riverrun have never tolerated attempts to escalate this into full-scale war. House Bennet has also long feuded with neighboring House Mallon of the Westerlands over lands seized from them and given to the Bennets during the Wars of Conquest. Recently, Lord Roger Bennet has wed his eldest daughter to the young Lord Lothor Mallon, and Roger’s younger brother Edwyn has taken one of the Llayne girls as his wife. These two marriages have quieted both of the simmering hostilities for the time being. While Llayne is a relatively minor house, their proximity to Riverrun means they are watched closely.


The current head of the house, Brodrik, assumed lordship just a few scant years ago following the death of his father, Lord Elmar, at the Battle of the Trident. A man in his late thirties, he has two children by his wife, Lady Jeyne (Piper): a son who has recently come of age, and a daughter who has yet to flower into womanhood. His younger brother, Quentyn, is a knight in service to Riverrun, and his two sisters, Janaia and Twyla have been married off to a Bennet and a Frey, respectively. The house has enjoyed a streak of peace and prosperity in the wake of the recent war, as befits a player on the winning side, and Lord Brodrik seeks to capitalize on this further while there is still somewhat of a power vacuum in the Riverlands. He makes frequent trips to Lord Hoster’s court, and has been a fixture at recent tourneys where he actively seeks to make an advantageous match for his young daughter.

 

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Major NPCs of Riverstone Hall


Lord Brodrik Llayne - Late-thirties. As a “tourney knight”, and a bit of a peacock, Brodrik was always somewhat rankled by his house’s relatively low position in Westerosi society. While his father was less concerned with appearances, Brodrik has made a sustained effort to elevate his house’s reputation since becoming Lord of Riverstone. He is well groomed, with a courtly manner, and while he’s an able leader, he tends to make decisions based more on how the results will reflect on the name of House Llayne, rather than on more practical grounds.


Lady Jeyne Llayne - Early-thirties. Some twenty years ago, Lord Clement Piper negotiated a marriage between his youngest daughter, Jeyne, and the young Ser Brodrik. She is cordial and affectionate with Brodrik, if not truly loving. She has long enjoyed a the life of a socialite, attending tourneys and masquerades with her husband. Since becoming lady of the house, Brodrik has deferred to her on nearly all household matters in order to focus his attention outwardly. For the past few months, she has been “visiting” with her family at Pinkmaiden Castle in an attempt to strengthen the alliance between the two houses.


Marta Llayne - A girl of eleven, and Lord Brodrik’s eldest daughter. She takes strongly after her mother in both manner and appearance. When she isn’t playing with her dolls, she spends her time being drilled in the ways of courtly courtesies by Septa Alys and her mother, in order to make her an attractive match for a potential highborn groom.


Ella and Janette Layne - each two years of age. Since Brodrik became lord, he has been intent on producing more male heirs, to ensure the family line. So far, however, only one pregnancy has been carried to term, twin girls, Ella and Janette. The sisters are currently at Pinkmaiden Castle with Lady Jeyne.


Maester Tobin - An old man who has served Riverstone Hall since the time of Lord Elmar’s father. He is over eighty, frail, and senility has begun to set in. While his usefulness to the house is effectively done with, he has been a grandfatherly presence in the keep as long as anyone alive can remember, and Lord Brodrik allows him to retain his position, at least for ceremonial purposes.


Maester Bramley - A young man who had scarcely finished forging his chain before the the Seven Kingdoms erupted into war, Bramley was sent from the Citadel to assist the aging Maester Tobin in his duties. For the past few years, as Tobin’s condition has worsened, he has become the de facto steward of the household despite technically being Tobin’s assistant. He hails from the Reach, and thus has a more affected and genteel bearing than is typical in the Riverlands.


Septa Alys - A woman in her sixties, she has served as a nanny and taught the Faith of the Seven to two generations of Llaynes. She is kindly, but no stranger to the antics of highborn children, and has little patience for disobedience. Lord Brodrik has given her leave to retire to a small convent near Stoney Sept once Marta has been married off.


Ser Walton Frey - A middle aged grandson of Lord Walder Frey, Ser Walton is Lord Brodrik’s master-at-arms. Ser Walton shares his grandsire’s caustic personality. He is a veteran of many battles, and is a tough but effective teacher.


Ser Jonothor Nayland - A man in his late-twenties, he was Lord Brodrik’s squire in the war, and knighted for valor on the battlefield. He now serves as the captain of the guard at Riverstone Hall, commanding the hundred or so garrison men. He is capable, but arrogant, and often locks horns with Ser Walton, who treats him dismissively.


Nikolas Blanetree - a boy of twelve, Lord Brodrik’s ward and squire. He is a dutiful lad who hopes one day to be a famous knight like the ones he sees in the tournaments. He has a boyish crush on Marta Llayne; something Lord Brodrik is well aware of, and does his best to discourage.


Woolsey - A man of nearly forty years, he is Riverstone Hall’s master of the hunt. He is a master tracker, and sometimes assists Ser Jonothor in chasing down fugitives. He is patient and circumspect.


Gregg - Just shy of thirty, he is the master of horse for Riverstone Hall, and a farrier by trade. He is fond of gambling,women and drink, and well known in Riverstone town’s taverns.


Lewys - The eighteen year old kennel master at Riverstone Hall. He succeeded to his post when the previous kennel master, Hobb, died of a fever two years ago. He is tall, strong, and attractive, yet shy, preferring the company of his dogs. Gossip in the town says that he is the by-blow of a hedge knight, though the talk does not include his sire’s name.

 

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The Town of Riverstone


Riverstone sits on the pebbled banks of the Tumblestone River, its scenery dominated by nearby Riverstone Hall. The town is home to roughly two hundred souls, though the presence of Llayne’s standing troops and retainers adds half again this number on most days. The hilly plains around the town have a scant few farms and pastures, but are dotted with dozens of abandoned gold and silver mines, their veins of ore long ago depleted. A new vein was discovered in the hills half a league away some years ago which continues to produce to this day. The mine and the keep provide the basis for the town’s economy, with nearly every resident servicing one or the other. Each morning at daybreak, a third of the town’s men and boys leave for the mine, not returning until long after dusk. The town and keep rely heavily on food grown down-river, and the barter of raw ore for grain, feed, and livestock has created a thriving marketplace of goods coming and going from east and west along the Llaynes’ well-maintained road.


In the center of the cobblestoned market lies the town square which features the town’s well, a pillory, message board, and a wooden platform for public addresses which doubles as a gallows when the need arises. Ringing the market, Riverstone boasts two taverns, a modest inn and stables, a smithy, a brewery, the office of the town bailiff, and a tailor’s shop, among others. Between these and the town walls lie scores of small cottages that are home to mine workers, tradesmen, laborers, prostitutes, and merchants. One tavern, the Gilded Sun, caters almost exclusively to men of the house guard, while the other, the Pick & Shovel is frequented by miners and other townsfolk. The River Stone Inn provides room enough for a dozen travellers and their mounts, and in times of overflow, several residents offer boarding in their homes.

 

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Riverstone’s Notable Residents (NPCs)


Cedric - A middle aged former man-at-arms for the house, his sword arm was crippled in combat. He now serves as the town bailiff, responsible for collecting taxes, enforcing town ordinances, and overseeing local matters. He employs a half dozen deputies to keep the peace. His office is answerable to the steward.


Harrys Redbeard - early-forties. Harrys is the foreman of the local mine. Though his fiery whiskers went white nearly a decade ago, the monkier “Redbeard” has stuck. He is hard, stern, and wildly unpopular among the town’s miners. He has so far managed to meet or exceed his monthly quotas, however, so Lord Brodrik sees no reason to replace him.


Ben Rivers - mid-thirties. The baseborn son of a Maindenpool lordling, Ben took the plunder he earned as a freerider during Robert’s war and purchased the Gilded Sun from its previous owner, by which he also inherited the role of the town pimp. He gets along well with the soldiers who frequent his establishment, so long as they pay their tabs and don’t mistreat the girls.


Nellie - a woman of forty, and the proprietor of the Pick and Shovel, which she took over when her husband died. She is a lifelong resident of the town, and knows each one of her patrons by name. A portly woman, she is teasingly referred to as “Big Belly Nellie”, a nod to the (in)famous Big Belly Ben of the Kingswood Brotherhood. She has two large sons, and a stern glance from either one is usually enough to keep any surly drunks in line.


Yordan - early thirties. He is the town blacksmith, though not a skilled armorer - most of his work takes the form of making horseshoes, nails, and pickaxes. He is tall and imposing, with the enlarged right arm of a smith. His shop is busy enough that he employs two apprentices.


Donal and Myra -a husband and wife in their forties, they run the River Stone Inn, which is staffed by their five children. Though her looks have begun to fade, Myra was once considered the most beautiful woman in town. She originally came to Riverstone as a courtesan in the company of a travelling knight who was stabbed in a drunken brawl and died of his wounds. Donal was quick to woo her, making him the envy of many men in town.


Nelton Nimbefingers - a teenaged singer, he performs for coppers in the town’s inn and taverns, and is occasionally called to Lord Brodrik’s court when he is entertaining less important guests.

 

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Player Characters


Ser Ivan Hill (Starswords)- A bastard son of House Clegane Ivan was treated quite poorly in his childhood. Given his size there was no way to hide his bastard parentage and all that got him was trouble and scorn in his childhood. His father, however, saw some use in Ivan as the bastard's size and power rivalled that of his legitimate brothers, making him an ideal sparring partner. The lessons came easily to Ivan and on this field he could truly feel equal to others...perhaps even better than others. These ideas were short-lived as soon his half-brothers were off fighting in tournaments and such, making names for themselves while Ivan was shown the door when he was no longer needed. Knowing he would never have a place in House Clegane, Ivan Hill left from his birthplace, and from the Westerlands altogether, he traveled for a time seeking to fight where he could and eventually War was declared and soon opportunities to improve and fight arose in great numbers. Ivan did not so much care which side he was on, House Clegane rode with the Westerlands who delayed entry into the conflict for quite some time and so Ivan was forced to choose, and he was fortunate in his choice to join with Robert against the Mad King. Ivan fought well, but the units he was placed in were poorly disciplined, and mostly green; they died in great numbers and so he was consistently shifted between various units always following some new lord's orders.


At the Battle of the Trident, Ivan was placed with yet another group of recruits under the command of Lord Elmar Llayne, a man Ivan considered to be inconsequential to his life. This would be proven untrue as Lord Elmar led his forces well against a superior force of loyalist Rivermen, but in the heat of battle the lord was struck down. This incensed his son, now Lord Broderik Llayne, who rushed to avenge his noble father. While Broderik was successful in obtaining a measure of vengeance, his charge had put him in a dangerous position and soon he was surrounded by enemy forces. The House of Llayne might have lost two leaders that day had Ivan not been assigned to fight with them.


Ivan was still with the bulk of Layne’s forces when Lord Broderick came into danger, but Ivan’s shield had been hacked apart by axes freeing his left hand, and so while Ivan rushed to bring his flail arm to his new Commander’s aid, his left was free to hurl objects to try and distract his foes. As it happened these objects were the severed limbs of other soldiers. This tactic, in addition to the sight of Ivan Hill charging them caused a number of House Mooton’s soldiers to flee in abject terror buying Lord Broderik enough time for Ivan to arrive and fight the enemy in a far deadlier fashion.


After the battle was won Lord Broderik sought Ivan out to thank him and found him to be more that expected. Given Ivan’s bastard status, and looking to perhaps find some favor with either House Clegane or hopefully House Lannister, Lord Broderik knighted Ser Ivan and asked him to swear his sword to House Llayne. Ivan, knowing of Lord Broderik’s valor, decided that this was likely to be the best position he would be offered and so accepted.


Willem Bracken (nicholscs) - A nephew of Jonas Bracken, Willem was a promising courtier in the court of Hoster Tully. He is handsome, arrogant and intelligent, and has spent most of his life being a spolied member of the noble class. He seemed poised to become a close advisor of Lord Tully, and possibly on his way to the court in King's Landing, when ambition and long-standing family conflict came together to cost him his position, and nearly his life.


Another member of Tully's court was Mathis Blackwood, a rival of the Bracken's with whom they'd had a centuries old feud over land, religions, and influence in the Riverlands. The two men sniped at each other openly when not in the presence of Lord Tully and were constantly engaged in schemes to undermine the other. Then things got personal when Willem managed to seduce Mathis' betrothed and get information from her about moves that Mathis was making against the Bracken's. Mathis caught wind of the illicit encounter, though without any evidence and with his betrothed remaining silent, he could not challenge Willem in court. Everything came to a head under a clear morning sky when Willem could not help but taunt Mathis regarding the affair. In a rage, Mathis savagely attacked Willem, shattering his right leg and beating him almost to death. It was only the intervention of Ser Quentyn Llayne that prevented Willem from being killed.


As a result, both men were exiled from Lord Tully's court as a way to satisfy their respective families. Mathis was sent to House Mallister at Seagard, while Willem was sent to House Llayne on the recommendation of Ser Quentyn. Lord Tully was most disappointed in the whole affair, for despite Willem's sometime arrogance, Hoster Tully liked the young man, and found him to a promising courtier and aide. Lord Bracken was not pleased with Willem's actions either, nor the result he was forced into and has, for the moment, cut him off financially from enjoying his largesse. Needless to say, Willem was not happy to hear the gates of Riverrun shut behind him as he began his lonely ride to Riverstone, which was, in his mind, a backwater House of the Riverlands and certainly a move in the wrong direction.


Still, perhaps this backwards step would lead to greater things. Perhaps Tully's court was too crowded after all, and House Llayne would present opportunity and rehabilitation.


Elmar Llayne (asdelbr), Elmar Llayne, Third of his Name, was born to the Lord Brodrik Llayne and his wife, Lady Jeyne Llayne (formerly Piper). As he is the first born son, he is heir to the lands and property of House Llayne, of which his father has reminded him every day since his 6th name day. As a boy, he oft spent his time playing at swords with his brother, Colter Llayne. He also read texts that told of the Great Seiges of Westeros, as well as other tactical studies. As a result, he has always had an opinion on the strategies and tactics that have been used by House Llayne in their past battles - including that of the siege that allowed their ancient house to claim Riverstone Hall. He held great respect for his ancestor, Denys Llayne, and the courage he showed in agreeing to single combat to spare the lives of his men when faced with a situation that was, tactically, a nightmare. More than the battle, he longed for the kind heart that allowed Danys to cast off the seven gods and take the old gods, all for dear Arianna. While Elmar has always found castles and soldiers to be his expertise, he has also been a romantic at heart. The one thing he covets more than anything are those that have found their lovers, though he often hides this desire from his lord father, who insists that the good of the realm must come before such trifeling matters. Yet, he has always been able to confide this desire with Ser Runcel Greentree, one of his father's sworn knights and a long term mentor of Elmar's. Runcel often inspired Elmar's interest in warfare and strategy, and taught Elmar almost everything he knows about how to fight. He has also been much more receptive of Elmar's discussion of love, poetry, and other matters of the heart. However, Runcel has also maintained an iconic role as a steadfast reminder of temperance and duty... one that is often needed for a hot headed man such as Elmar. Although, even with his temper, Elmar has maintained strong friendships and alliances with many of those in his house. He takes his oaths very seriously, and is a trustworthy and steadfast ally.


Gavin Rivers (Lord-Leafar) - Gavin's mother belonged to a small band of wildings below the Wall that used to raid villages and farms in the Riverlands. In one of these battles she was captured and offered to either work as a servant or be executed; she valued her life and decided to work for the Llayne household. A woman of exotic beauty, she attracted the interest of the young lord at the time, and in a moment of weakness he left her pregnant with a child. She died giving birth to Gavin, and as a last act of kindness the Lord of the House gave him to the family of the Master-of-the-Hound, where he grew far away from the noble family but close enough that the Lord could keep an eye on him. Years passed and Gavin's outsider heritage became more obvious to the people in town, add the fact that rumors started circulating that linked his resemblance to Lord Brodrik, claiming that Gavin is a bastard son of House Llayne. This rumors eventually reached the ears of Lady Jeyne, who quickly used her influence to silence any talk of the matter, but still, in some corners of town, people whisper behind Gavin's back calling him the house's bastard. It was for this same reasons and his resemblance to the feared wildings that he found himself shunned from the townspeople, which led Gavin to a profound interest in the wilderness, going on long hunts and spending days at a time outside town. In one of his trips he found a small orphan eagle, he took her home and nursed it back to full health, as well as caring for her until she was old and strong enough to fly on her own. When that time came, the eagle stayed; a bond had been created between the two that would remain strong for the years to come. Now as a young man, he takes on certain duties of his adoptive father, given his affinity with all things wild, he has volunteered to help the kennelmaster with the proper care and training of the House hounds, and he enjoys joining the hunts with his foster parent Woolsey, an activity he shines at with his falconry skills with Éanna, his eagle companion. One thing has changed Gavin profoundly, as of late, he started having weird vivid dreams where he flies above the land, he can see Riverstone Hall and the nearby hills, the rivers and the far away coast. He isn't certain of the meaning of these dreams, but he thinks that little by little he's becoming able to control them with each night that passes.


Colter Llayne (Thane)- The first of his name and the second son of Lord Brodrik Llayne, Colter is the "untamed colt" of his house, thus nickname. If Colt is disgruntled by his birth order he does not appear to show it, instead he has embraced the freedom that comes with lesser expectations and notice. Still, Colt is not one to sit back and wait for the scraps that fall off his older brother's plate. He has his own goals and his own ambitions and he is eager to make his mark upon the world.


Growing up Colt would remain in the background while his father instructed his older brother Elmar in fighting, warfare, etiquette, and household management. He listened and learned all the while playing the role of the disinterested younger son. Colt had a gift for making friends of those that were sometimes ignored or underestimated and he learned many useful skills from those individuals while his brother took lessons from the most prominent serving House Llayne.


By the time Colt was twelve he had acquired a passion for horses and riding and he would often spend hours riding and exploring the nearby countryside. When Colt turned thirteen he charmed his mother into convincing his father to purchase an impressive horse to use as breeding stock with their own horses. He even convinced a young woman by the name of Teelana Sand who was working with the horse-trader to remain in Riverstone and work with House Llayne's corral. Colt wanted to learn all that he could about breeding and horses and there was something about the exotic young woman that captured his fancy. Although initially his father was not pleased with Colt hiring a stranger in his name. Lord Brodrik quickly recognized the foreign woman's skills and relented on the matter, Colt was an obedient son overall but when he wanted something bad he was as willful as an old boar.


By fourteen Colt's ability to ride and train horses was impressive. If his father had not been so busy grooming his older brother Elmar for the future he might have been concerned over how much time Colt spent with Teelana, but their growing bond remained relatively unnoticed. Nevertheless, by his 15th name day the two were already sharing a bed and Colt was living a life of freedom, learning, and minor adventures. To the public Colt and Teelana appeared nothing more than mutual horse-enthusiasts, but in reality the two were best friends. Also, the two raised and trained their first foal together and Colt built a powerful and unique relationship with the young male horse that he named Rainstone.


During the winter of his 15th name day Teelana got sick and she was bed-ridden. Colt snuck out of his room every night and remained at her side. The small folk who witnessed this said nothing but their hearts were moved by Young Colt's dedication to his secret love. Teenlana passed after several days, but not before making Colt promise her that he would live life to the fullest and not accept the limitations placed on him by others. Colt promised but her passing hit him hard and he vanished from holdings for 3 days before Gavin and a small retinue of men finally tracked him down. When Lord Brodrik questioned his son Colt claimed that he "got lost" but his father knew better and made the connection between the passing of Teelana and his son's sudden disappearance. Although Colt's wild nature often aggravated members of his direct family, many of them grew concerned by Colt's sudden lethargy and silence and they suddenly missed the air of excitement and energy that he brought to the household. As a result, Brodrik decided to appoint Colt the Captain of the Riverstone Heavy Horse a few days later. He knew his son was good on a horse but he had no idea his son would take to the position as if he born to do so. Word quickly got back that Colt was not only a fine horseman but also an inspiring leader who had a gift for winning over the men under him.


While Colt has embraced his new role within the house, as of late he has been spending more time with his men training and carousing. He loves his family but it is obvious that he is looking for an outlet that might help fulfill his own goals and dreams. Part of him acknowledges the tradition and expectations that come with one of his standing, and the other part of him wants to be recognized for his own skills and potential no matter his birth order. Thus he obeys his father and usually his brother, but he is prone to small acts of rebellion such as minor scheming to get better equipment for his cavalry or even trying to seduce smallfolk or even noble maidens. His natural charm and willingness to occasionally thumb his nose at convention makes him dangerous because expectations for a second son are usually subdued. Many of the smallfolk tolerate the young man's "indiscretions" because he is charmingly handsome, he is the lord's son, and they believe Young Colt is trying to forget his lost love. But so far the matter has not come to the attention of Lord Broderik or he has chosen to ignore the situation because his son has only bedded Unfrid the serving maid at The Pick and the Shovel and Moira the young daughter of Myra and Donal, though that particular tryst appears to be a secret. Still, Colt has his eyes on a bigger catch these days and he is looking forward to the feast that hopes will bring in a slew of young noble ladies.

 

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History


House Llayne is ancient, dating back roughly six millenia to the coming of the Andals from across the Narrow Sea. Histories record the following tale of its founding:


(by nicholscs)


Six thousand years before Aegon I, at the height of their invasion of Westeros, the Andals pushed into the Kingdom of Hills and Rivers. After the final defeat of King Tristifer IV, his remaining forces dispersed, returning to their respective House lands to defend them as best they could. All of them would fail.


One such noble lord was Rickard Milot, whose family lands stretched across a small portion of the Tumblestone River at the eastern edge of the Westerly Mountains. He was middle aged and a capable lord and soldier. He was barrel chested, with a great beard and hair of white that made him look older than he was. His people loved him, and though his lands were small, he ran them with a steady hand. And then war came to Westeros.


Upon his return to his family lands, following the defeat of Tristifer IV, he immediately called up any remaining reserves and all the smallfolk from the countryside and set them to making their small keep, Riverstone Hall more defensible. Their keep was situated strategically on a small outcropping of solid limestone that jutted out into the river making it so that only one face of the keep faced land. This was itself protected by a deep ditch and inlet that made siegecraft both difficult and simple. There was only one way into Riverstone Hall.


Sadly, given the toll of wartime conscription, Lord Milot was only able to gather about five-hundred souls in Riverstone Hall, only about one hundred of which were trained soldiers. The rest were mainly old men and boys, women and children. It still meant though that every nook and cranny of the Hall was filled with people and supplies. They had a decent supply of food and a well and cistern that could provide them with drinking water for a time, but they knew they could not hold out indefinitely. Nevertheless, they busied themselves preparing for the inevitable.


Of Lord Milot’s family only his daughter remained. His three sons had all been killed in war and his wife had died from a fever years ago. His daughter, Arianna, a girl of no more than ten and six, stepped into the role of managing the household in these difficult times and kept the smallfolk busy, encouraging them and doing her best to keep them calm and focused. She was young but mature beyond her years, already beautiful with striking red hair and green eyes, she had a grace about her that people found enchanting. In better times, she would have made the ideal noble wife.


Every night she would take time to sit at the foot of the great weirwood tree that stood in the courtyard in the middle of the keep in quiet meditation and prayer. Over the next few weeks, as they awaited the arrival of the Andals, soldier and smallfolk alike would join her and her father in prayer to the Old Gods around the great tree. It was a moment of peace and tranquility before the coming storm.


The Andal force that did arrive was led by one Denys Llayne, a veteran commander who had seen more than his share of blood throughout the invasion. He led a force of about five hundred men and was moving throughout the land searching for the gold and silver deposits that were rumored to be scattered in the west. As far as he was concerned, they were in a mopping up phase, now that the main fighting seemed to be over in this region. Upon nearing Riverstone, he had his forces set up for a siege and began the process of starving out the Milot’s. He had no desire to lose men storming the keep.


Llayne was a young man, pragmatic and calculating, and unlike most of the Andals, he was not filled with the same fervor to spread the Faith. He was a believer to be sure, and had carved the seven pointed star into his flesh like the others, but his goal was conquest and the acquisition of riches and lands. For him, the Faith was a means to an end that united his people.


He made initial attempts to end the siege of Riverstone diplomatically, but these were all rebuffed by Lord Milot. Weeks passed without movement on either side and so Llayne ordered the construction of siege weapons to try and force the surrender of the keep. Still the Milot’s would not capitulate. Llayne’s men began to get restless and he knew that he must act or risk mutiny. He did not want to unduly risk his soldiers in battle and urged them to wait and be patient, but his sub-commander would not relent. They wanted to take the keep and be on their way.


And so, on a crisp morning at the break of dawn, Llayne began a frontal attack on Riverstone Hall. Catapults hurled stones at the walls, but the landward face of the keep was thick and strong and not easily penetrated. As the missiles flew, it became clear that even if they managed to punch holes in the walls of the keep, they would still have to cross the ditch somehow and breach the main gate. He was hesitant to do so, for he knew that this result in many casualties in his force, but again, at the insistence of his sub-commanders, he order the attack to breach the gate. It was a bloody affair. His forces not only had to get a ram up to the gate but they also had to place a bridge to cross the ditch first, all the while Lord Milot’s forces rained death down upon his troops causing many casualties and much frustration on the attacking side.


However, things were not going well in the keep either. Disease was beginning to spread and supplies were running dangerously low. There simply too many mouths to feed and Llayne had sent forces to the far bank of the river to prevent any attempt to re-supply from that side.


Seeing few options, Lord Milot challenged Llayne to combat under the simplest of terms. If he won, the Andals would depart. If he lost, the remaining inhabitants would surrender the keep on the promise that they would be spared. Confident in his ability and seeking to avoid further casualties among his ranks, Llayne agreed instantly.


The drawbridge to the keep was lowered and the gates creaked open slowly and through the haze of smoke Lord Rickard Milot strode out to face combat, clad in gleaming bronze armor, sword in one hand and a the family crest of House Milot on a banner in the other. He planted the banner in the ground at the entrance to the keep and clanged sword up shield in challenge to Llayne.


The two men met in single combat before the walls of Riverstone, the air still and quiet save for ringing of sword and shield. Milot had been a capable swordsman in his youth, but his better days were behind him and it was not long before Llayne had the advantage. Exhaustion took its toll on the older man and in one sweeping slash, Llayne mortally wounded Milot across the throat. Blood poured down his breastplate as he fell to his knees and a collective groan could be heard across the keep as the fate of House Milot was decided.


In an instant, the Andal force, against the orders of Llayne, stormed the keep and began a bloody slaughter of all that remained inside. Screams of agony and rage mixed throughout the Riverstone Hall and Llayne was temporarily unable to control his men. In the time that it took for him to re-establish control over half of those still in the keep had been brutally butchered and raped. His men wanted revenge for their terrible losses trying to take the walls. The great weirwood was set ablaze in the courtyard and in the mass confusion Llayne strode about the hall, ordering his men to stop, but it was a slow process and every second that went by more lives were lost.


When he finally made his way into Lord Milot’s solar, what he saw horrified him. The remaining members of the Milot household lay dead, bloody corpses strewn across the floor. In the center of it all stood Arianna; calm, serene, awaiting her fate with her head held high, covered in the blood of the servants who had died protecting her. Andal soldiers were circling around her hungrily, when Llayne roared for them to stop. His men, consumed by rage and lust, ignored him and reached for the girl, and Llayne immediately rushed in among them before they could lay a hand on her. Within seconds, four of them lay dead and the rest were finally shaken out of their bloodlust.


Llayne turned to Arianna, his sword clattering to the ground and, overcome with grief at what his men had done, he knelt before her, begging her forgiveness. With one gentle motion, she reached out a hand and raised his head, so that he could see her. She simply nodded her eyes wet, a single tear running down her cheek. With that, Llayne rose and, wrapping a cloak about her, escorted her from the solar.


Those soldiers and smallfolk that remained, less than one hundred, were gathered under guard in the courtyard. When Llayne and Arianna appeared at the stairs leading down all eyes were transfixed on them. Arianna pulled herself gently away from Llayne and casting the cloak off, walked side by side with him down the staircase. Llayne ordered his men to extinguish the flames that crept around the weirwood tree, and though not fully consumed it was badly burnt. Llayne left Arianna’s side and walked to the weirwood. He bared his chest, where the seven pointed star of the Seven had been carved into his flesh. He picked up a still burning branch that had fallen from the tree and held to his skin, marring the star and declared to all present that this day had shown him that faith belonged to those that kept their word and he shamed the Andals for their treachery. Waving the branch above his head, he said any man could join him and stay and those that did not renounce the Seven must leave or die.


A roar of disbelief rose among his men, shouts and curses rained down upon him. But of his soldiers, one hundred men stepped forward, those that had not rushed the keep, those that had kept their word and followed Llayne’s orders. Together they formed a solid wall of steel protecting their commander, Arianna and the remaining Milot smallfolk. After a few tense moments, those that did not side with Llayne started to leave, cursing Llayne as a traitor to the Faith, but leaving nonetheless.


One by one, the soldiers loyal to Llayne had the seven pointed star burned from their flesh. These became the personal guard for the new House Llayne and became known as ‘the Scarred’. They kept the faith of the First Men and worshipped the Old Gods and were among the most devoted defenders that the House had ever seen. House Llayne became one of the few Houses south of the Neck to keep to the Old Gods and for centuries they would remain so.


Over the next few months, House Llayne became something of a refuge for the smallfolk in the surrounding areas that were fleeing the destruction of war. In time, the castle, the village and the house lands were rebuilt and repaired, but for many years the surrounding lords shunned the Llaynes for the scandal of abandoning the Seven.


Denys Llayne took Arianna Milot as his wife and together they led House Llayne through this trying time. They proved themselves to be good leaders and protectors of their people and though they were isolated in many respects in the greater Andal culture, they were able to build a strong foundation that would allow the House to endure through the millennia.


So the house endured over the many years of peace and prosperity, invasion and strife, until the events of the present day...


(by asdelbr)


House Llayne came into favor with House Tully during Robert’s Rebellion, where Lord Elmar perished in battle fighting bravely beside the future king, Robert Baratheon. Elmar held a company of newly recruited infantry against a much more experienced group of soldiers, fielded by the houses Mooton and Darry. The separatist houses actively sought out the Tully banners on the field and marched on them to gain favor in the eyes of Rhaegar Targaryen by slaying the traitor Lord Paramount. However, Elmar and his band of infantry clashed against the banners of his fellow Riverlanders, and held against the vicious onslaught, at the cost of Elmar’s life.


Following the conclusion of the war, House Tully invited House Llayne to their hall as guests, where they were honored for Lord Elmar’s heroic sacrifice. Additionally, they offered assistance by the Lord Paramount in rebuilding their lands and maintaining their crops. Given their proximity to Riverrun, the Lord Paramount insisted that the Tullys help would be swift and meaningful. Additionally, the Tullys offered to honor Lord Broderik’s brother, Quentyn, with a sworn knighthood in House Tully... a position which the brother still holds to this day.


(by Starswords)


The finding of several new veins of gold and silver in the hills surrounding Riverstone have led to increased prosperity for House Llayne; while the mines had always been quite profitable these new findings will ensure continued prosperity for years to come. Seeking to capitalize on this abundance in a greater manner than before Lord Broderick convinced Lord Tully to aid in the construction of a road between Riverstone Hall and Riverrun.


This construction project provided new jobs for the smallfolk of Riverstone as more workers than usual were needed, which caused greater prosperity in the inns, which led to more thievery, which meant more guards had to be hired and trained. These guards then became permanent as the road was to patrolled regularly to ensure the safety of the persons and merchants travelling along it, making House Llayne’s lands well protected by a substantial force of trained warriors.

 

[nicholscs]

Chapter One


It is a cool summer day at Riverstone Hall. Maester Bramley, the junior maester of the house finds key members of the Llayne household to a meeting in Lord Brodrik's hall. One by one, along with most of the major servants of the house, they slowly filter in. Elmar, heir to House Llayne, and Ser Ivan Hill, a sworn sword to Lord Llayne arrive and mill about the hall. Lord Brodrik is not yet in attendance, and Maester Bramley is still rounding up attendees, but Maester Tobin is present, in a comfortable chair to the left of Brodrik's seat, snoring quietly. There are flagons of wine and cups set up on a table.


Colter Llayne, the Lord’s second born son had been out riding the family’s lands when he received his summons. Knowing too well Colt's habits, his prompt presence had been emphasized in the summons. Colt had scowled, but nodded before quickly returning Rainstone, his horse, to the stables and having an assistant comb the animal down. He then made his way to the Hall, likely late as usual.


Seeing his brother enter in a huff, Elmar couldn’t resist and called out to Maester Tobin, “Maester, what have we been summoned for that you would disturb my poor brother's ride? You do know how he loathes being taken from his horses...”


“Must be why he hates jousting so!” shouted Ser Ivan as he grabs one of the cups and pours himself some wine.


Maester Tobin stirs, drool in his beard, looking confused.


Elmar called over to Ser Ivan, “Ser Ivan, be a good lad and hand me one of those?!”


Tobin searched the room, "Did you say something, young master Elmar?"


Colt’s long flowing locks were wind-tossed and he was dressed down in leather breeches and a loose shirt. He snatches up some wine as he leans against the cold stone wall nodding briskly to everyone.


Ser Ivan tosses Elmar a cup, “A lad I haven't been for quite some time. The lord can pour his own drinks.”


Colt smirks at the brief exchange, but says nothing.


Elmar eyes Ivan wrothly and pours himself a cup, then looks at the Maester, “Aye Tobin, I wished to know why you had disturbed my brother's ride. Now he's going to be grouchy for the rest of the day.”


Marta, the younger sister of Elmar and Colter, is ushered in by Septa Alys.


Gavin Rivers, of Lord Brodrik’s huntsmen, arrives alongside Woolsey, the Master of the Hunt, and Lewys, their kennelmaster, geared and ready for the hunt, as expected. He takes a seat and watches the people around, keeping quiet. He takes out his dagger and starts cleaning his nails with it.


The maester squints at Elmar, "It is a terrible thing, my lord, how your brother died. A terrible thing."


Elmar looks perplexed a moment before replying, “Maester my brother isn't dead he's standing right there, looking smug and upset from your interference with his ride.” He then turns and eyes Gavin and his companions and asks, “Is this about the hunt?”


Tobin stares off toward the doorway, "No my lord, it was not a hunting accident, I fear. He was struck down by an Ironman's arrow. A coward's weapon."


Colt grins at Elmar. He so enjoyed it when his brother bantered for him and he was able to add to the effect by remaining silent. He glances at the giant of a man, Ivan, and then looks back to Tobin and now his sister, Marta. Colt wipes his mouth after finishing off some wine and wanders over near his sister. Colt take looks down at Marta, a smile on his face. She knew that smile too well; he was up to no good for sure.


He leans in and says to her in quiet tones, “Greetings little sister.”


Slightly exasperated, Elmar replies, “Oh you're right Maester, how could I forget losing my brother? Hunting is such a folly for this house.”


As if on cue, Tobin launches into a long, boring story you've heard half a hundred times about the history of the family and, after a few minutes, Ser Ivan interrupts him, “Yes warfare seems to serve it much better!”


Elmar nods, “Well... we are a family of fighters and tacticians, it is no wonder.”


From across the room Colt shouts, "Cheers to that Ivan!"


With the encouragement, Ivan drains his cup and refills it, “Cheers to all, Cheers to Lord Brodrik!"


Tobin, clearly tired, lowers his head to his chest and appeared to be snoring lightly. Most of the other retainers have arrived now, including Ser Walton, Ser Jonothor, Gregg, the master of horse and others.


Elmar smiles and calls across the room with a chuckle, “Oh Ivan, don't have so much wine. You’ll end up as my poor brother did during that hunt... wouldn't want an Ironman to catch you off guard!”


“Hah! It'll take more than a stray arrow to bring me down! Your father knows all about that!” Ivan retorts.


“I know all about that. I've both read and heard of the valor you exhibited during the battle.” replies Elmar.


“Aye, that was a fun one, who knows maybe you'll get some war stories of your own one day.” Ivan says.


Raising his cup, Elmar call a toast, “To those lost at the Trident!”


Ser Ivan nods, “I'll drink to that.” and drains his goblet.


Colt snatches up another cup and raises his drink, “Aye!”


Finally, Lord Brodrik enters the hall, Maester Bramley following close on his heels. He strides across the hall, nodding to his children and his knights, and takes his seat.


Finishing his cup and then refilling it, Elmar calls out, “Father! So good to see you. Have you come to mourn the loss of my brother during the hunt? I do miss him so.” He turns to smile wryly at Colt.


Watching his father, Colt says, “Hello dear father. You look as regal as ever.” Colt smiles, paying a simple bow to his lord father as most of the hall falls silent as Brodrik speaks.


Lord Brodrik raises an eyebrow at Elmar, looking somewhat annoyed, "I'm not sure what foolishness you speak of, but I have not summoned my entire household to waste time on ridiculous banter."


Ivan can be heard chuckling as Elmar's smirk turns to a frown and he puts his wine down on the table. Colt’s smile melts a bit as well and he remains quiet.


Lord Brodrik clears his throat and addresses the assembled household, "Maester Bramley has received a Raven from Riverrun. It seems that the Citadel has sent the white ravens, signaling that winter will soon be upon us."


He pauses letting the weight of his words linger. "Not knowing how long the snows will last, our liege Lord, Hoster Tully, has decided to send his son Edmure on a short tour of the Riverlands, to better come to know the subjects he will one day rule. My brother, Ser Quentyn is escorting him here, presently."


Ser Ivan's mood was clearly dampened by the news of coming winter but he still managed a snort at the mention of Edmure.


Gavin can also be seen rolling his eyes, clearly not amused by the coming of this future Lord.


Colt asks, “Edmure here? What activities do you have planned lord father?”


Elmar quickly interjects, “Are we going to try to marry Marta to him?”


Hearing a quiet gasp, Colt grins and looks at his sister and then back to Elmar for coming up with that...assuming he was joking.


Brodrik glanced at Ivan's snort, then addresses the crowd again, "This is our House's chance to make a strong impression on the Tully’s. We will hold a hunt and a feast for our young lordling.”


Colt smiles broadly. “An excellent idea father...will we hire entertainers? Perhaps we can show him a display of House Llayne’s skill?” he asks hopefully.


Ignoring the questions from Colt and Elmar for now, Brodrik continues, “We must prepare quickly, I want this entire castle scrubbed spotless, the outbuildings repainted, the horses groomed and re-shod, and the dogs bathed. We will not come off of this visit looking shabby. You all know your jobs, and there is much work to do to prepare, so make haste. My sons, shall remain, the rest of you are dismissed."


Elmar remains behind and moves further up the hall to his father. Colt appeared ready to depart, probably anxious to resume his riding, but he stops in his tracks and briefly glances to Gregg and Gavin before turning to look at his father.


As the hall clears, Ser Ivan nods, places his cup on the table, and departs with the others. Time to oil up the armour, polishing the flail, and see to my mount.


Gavin returns Colt’s look before departing, then leaves with the others. Better get ready and prepare Éanna as well for the hunt, might be a good time to impress everyone.


As the last of the servants and retainers leave, Brodrik relaxes his "Lord's bearing" a bit. Colt moves towards his father now, remaining a couple steps behind his brother Elmar, who turns to nod at his approaching brother, before refocusing on their father.


Lord Brodrik begins by saying, “You both know how much I have worked to raise this house in the esteem of our Liege Lord, Hoster Tully.”


“I expect that the two of you will make every effort to present the best face possible." He says pointedly. Edmure is of an age with you, Colt, and shares your impulsivity to a degree. I do not want this visit to be an embarrassment, understood?"


Although Colt wasn’t always into the noble pomp of court, it did offer up a change of pace and an opportunity for excitement and meeting others outside the holdings. As his father speaks, Colt knows that his father's words were being directed at him in particular.


He glances at the floor for a moment, trying to resist the urge of saying something clever and simply nods, “Of course, father.”


He did like the fact that his father had compared him with the young Tully and says, with a genuine passion, “I will do my best to impress father!”


Lord Brodrik nods, "Very good then. He shall arrive a few days hence, and hopefully depart soon after without incident. Perhaps this visit will prompt an invitation for the two of you to visit Riverrun." Looking back and forth between them, he says, "In any case, it will be good for you to see your uncle again"


Colt raises his eyebrows and exclaims to Elmar as he pokes him a bit, “Now that would be an adventure, wouldn’t it brother?


Nodding, Elmar replies, “It feels like ages since I've seen him, father.” He glances over at Colt with a smirk, “I'm not sure the guard would be ready for the trouble you'd cause all the poor girls there.”


That drew a frown form Colt, annoyed that Elmar had drawn more attention to habits that his father already knew about.


Then, almost as an afterthought, Lord Brodrik said, "Oh, and the letter had one more piece of news. Apparently a member of Lord Hoster's court has disgraced himself, and my Lord has decided the best way to dispose of him will be to hide him away here. He will be coming with Edmure and my brother. A Bracken. I think I met him once, at court, perhaps."


Intrigued at the idea, Colt asks, “How did he disgrace himself father? That must really be a sore spot for him.”


Looking concerned, Elmar asks, “Father, are you sure we wish to bring some disgraced nobleman into our house?” Then catching himself, he adds, “ ...I mean no offense, of course.”


Brodrik sighs, "Unfortunately these little papers they tie to the ravens lend themselves only to brevity. The letter did not say."


Shrugging, Colt says, “I suppose we shall find out soon enough father.”


Brodrik nods, "I cannot refuse Lord Hoster, and I have no reason to believe I has earned his disfavor, so I must hope his indiscretions are minor enough, and well behind him. The court of a great lord can be a poisonous place. Not simple as it is here at home."


Elmar replies, “Aye, father. As you say. We shall give him a fair chance.”


"I doubt he would allow a true villain to accompany his son and heir across the Riverlands, at any rate.” says Brodrik with a slight shrug.


“Of course, father.” Colt says with a smile.


Brodrik nods again, clearly indicating he is done, "Very well then. That is all I wished to say."


Colt asks, “Do we have your leave father?”


"Unless there is anything you wish to discuss?" he replies.


Both of boys start to shake their heads no, when Colt suddenly exclaims, “Ahhh, wait father!”


"Yes?" Brodrik says patiently.


With his broad smile, Colt says, “Perhaps we should show him the Riverstone Heavy Horse...you know...impress him a bit?”


Brodrik nods, "I would like you and your brother to accompany Ser Jonothor to meet him on the road when he draws near. An honor guard." He looks at both of them, "Take a few of your men with you"


Clearly pleased, Colt answers back, “Excellent idea, father! I will take the best...Dathyn, Samuel, Johnstone....”


Elmar says, “Aye. I'll take Ser Greentree and a few other knights, if it please you. I'll bring along Ivan as well. No doubt they'll remember him from the Trident.”


Colt smiles, “Who could forget that man?”


Brodrik nods, "Please send Bramley back in when you leave."


Elmar bows, “Aye, m'lord.” He walks out of the hall, and informs Bramley that the Lord has requested his presence as Colt hurries out.


Colt thinks to himself, I have to get the horses groomed and taken care of, especially Rainstone. I need to see to it that the men polish their armors and weapons...there is much to do.

 

[nicholscs]

Chapter 2


Several days pass, while the castle is bustling with activity - servants hurrying about to prepare the castle, carpenters and masons brought from the town to make minor repairs, and the influx of food and supplies. Finally, one of the scouts Lord Brodrik sent out to look for Edmure's coming returns, saying he was spotted about half a day out.


The honor guard gathers in the courtyard, Elmar, Colter, Sers Jonothor, Ivan, and Greentree, Gavin and the rest. They are all wearing their finest armor and livery. Atop his impressive steed and close companion Rainstone, a destrier bearing the house sigil, Colt looks over to Elmar, “Brother...it is time!”


Climbing atop his own horse, Elmar asks, “Shall we?”


Nodding, Colt spares a glance at Ser Ivan and shakes his head, wondering what misery his poor horse must endure to carry a man that size. Ser Ivan also rides with his own personal standard, above which lies the banner of House Llayne, above which the banner of House Tully


The group departs with Ser Jonothor, and a few of his hand-picked men, flying the banner of House Llayne. After an hour's ride, you can see a small column of horse in the distance flying a red and blue banner.


Colt has the honor guard approach slowly so as not to spook the Tully entourage. He signals to his lead men, and says to Elmar, “It is time to greet Edmure, brother.”


Nodding at his brother, Elmar rides up to the approaching Tully group. He calls out loudly, “Hail, Edmure of House Tully, and welcome! We are honored by your presence, my lord.”


Gavin looks somewhat absent minded. A beautiful brown eagle rests across his arm, eyeing the newcomers curiously. Colt hangs back a moment, keeping the men organized and well placed, before joining his brother near Edmure. Ser Ivan gazes at the faces of those accompanying Edmure, seeing if he recognizes any.


Edmure Tully and Ser Quentyn approach, at the head of 10 riders wearing Tully colors. Edmure is riding a fine courser, and wearing a red velvet tunic embroidered in silver thread with the leaping fish of his house, and a red-and-blue striped cloak. He's a young man, scarcely 15 years of age, with just a wisp of a reddish beard on his face. He has the practiced bearing of a lordling of high stature. Ser Quentyn, who is between Elmar and Brodrik in age rides next to him, smiling at the sight of his nephews. Behind Edmure and Ser Quentyn a young noble sits atop a sleek, chestnut palfrey, waiting patiently and looking vaguely interested in the welcoming party.


As Colt approaches, Elmar motions towards his brother, and addresses Edmure, “This is my brother, Colter, though he commonly goes by "Colt". The large man there is Ser Ivan, who served our father at the Battle of the Trident. This is a sworn knight and personal friend, Ser Greentree. This is my brother's friend and our half brother, Gavin Rivers.”


Gavin gives a courteous nod to the retinue of newcomers as Edmure accepts the greetings, displaying all the proper courtesies of a young lord. Ser Quentyn jumps off of his horse and strides up to Elmar's horse. Well boys," he shouts, "Have you no words for your beloved uncle?"


Elmar dismounts and greets his Uncle with a proper hug and a laugh, “Ah you know Uncle, there are certain formalities a man must observe. How are you?”


As the group exchanges pleasantries Colt smiles and waits for a chance to hand Edmure a wineskin. Approaching the young lordling, he says, “Here my lord...something to wet your whistle after the dusty ride.” Colt looks to his uncle with a smile while also trying to steal a glance at this new noble who would be joining their household soon.


Edmure Tully accepts the skin graciously and takes a tentative sip. He then takes another, larger gulp and smiles at Colt, "Just the thing to quench my thirst, good man. I thank you."


Colt nods to Edmure with a knowing grin, “I thought as much my lord.”


Ser Quentyn and Elmar break their embrace and Ser Quentyn says, "You look to be a man grown. How long has it been? Three years? You seemed a child when I left."


Colt interjects, “Uncle...he's grown here…,” he starts, motioning towards his body, “...but still lacking here.” He finishes pointing to his head as both he and Gavin barely contain a chuckle.


Quentyn smirks at Colt, "I see you're still but a boy, then."


Elmar laughs at his Uncle's comment, “Oh uncle don't be too hard, he's coming along alright.”


Colt looks behind himself with a smile, as if his uncle must have been talking to somebody else.


“Who me, uncle? Then a boy is leading the Riverstone Heavy Horse!” he says puffing up proudly.


“Uncle, it has been a few days, surely you and Lord Edmure are exhausted. Perhaps we should ride to the castle? I'm sure my father has prepared an appropriate feast for your arrival.” Elmar says.


Quentyn mounts his horse again, and walks it over to greet his fellow knights. Edmure looks to Elmar and says, "So you are Elmar then. My thanks to your lord father for sending a welcoming party to receive me"


Elmar bows graciously, “Aye, My Lord. I am Elmar. And my father is more than happy to receive you; we have been awaiting your arrival.”


Edmure give a slight nod, “Let us proceed then. I am not accustomed to the saddle for so long a ride. I would welcome a rest."


Elmar nods in agreement, “Aye, My Lord. That is more than understandable. I myself can't be on a horse for more than a handful of hours before I grow restless. Let us proceed.”


Colt grows a bit more serious now and motions for his men to assume their proper place to escort Edmure back to Castle Riverstone.


Ser Ivan hails Ser Quentyn, "Any worthwhile fighters among this motley band, Quentyn?"


Quentyn looks Ser Ivan up and down, and says, "I'll try you in the yard on the morrow, if you're brave enough." He smiles.


Colt smiles to himself when Ivan speaks up to his uncle, but he keeps the column and men in line, wanting to impress Edmure in all things.


"Hahahaha, why have you improved?" Ivan asks incredulously.


Looking to Ivan and not being able to resist repaying his uncles earlier jab, Colt says, “Improved eating at court I imagine, Ivan”


Quentyn shrugs to Ivan, "Perhaps, perhaps not. You've certainly grown uglier."


"Impossible!" says the larger man, "But even so, the ladies still prefer me to you! You still can't measure up!"


Quentyn sniffs, "I don't keep the company of mares."


"Aye, stallion are more your style" replies Ivan, which causes Colt to burst out laughing.


As they begin riding back to the castle, Elmar rides beside Lord Edmure. “My Lord Edmure, forgive me, but my father said that we had a nobleman coming over from your court? Which one might he be?” he asks.


Edmure gestures his head back toward Willem and calls out without turning around, "Willem, my good man, Elmar here wishes to make your acquaintance."


At the front of the group, Gavin sends his eagle upwards to fly over the road ahead, and resumes leading the group back to the town. Colt glances over at Gavin and takes note of his winged companion, patting Rainstone affectionately as he does so.


Elmar looks about, searching for the man Edmure indicated. Urging his palfrey forward to a trot, Willem rides alongside the two lordlings.


He looks over to Elmar, giving a slight smile and nod, "Elmar. You honor us with your welcome." he inclines his head towards the horse guards, "Quite the welcome indeed." I am Willem Bracken, a nephew of Jonas Bracken of Stone Hedge. I look forward to serving House Llayne."


Elmar nods in return, “Greetings, Willem. We are happy to receive you. As for the welcome, we are only happy that Lord Edmure and Ser Quentyn find it acceptable.” He pauses before continuing, “Tell me, what skills do you bring to our court? You come at the request of the Lord Paramount himself.”


“Skills?" he says modestly, "I am to aid and advise your father, Lord Llayne, in matters of your House."


Colt strains to listen from his position at the front of the column, but otherwise remains silent, enjoying the ride even if he longed to cut-loose more.


“My skills,” Willem continues “would be those of the court." he says, "Boring, I'm sure for a warrior such as yourself? Negotiations, bargains, and the lot."


“Ah, so he eats in reverse!” Ivan whispers to Quentyn, perhaps a bit too loudly.


“Ah, but which matters, I wonder?” Elmar asks inquisitively.


“As I said, we are happy to receive you.” He continues with a smile and nod, before adding, “And nonsense. Negotiations and bargaining are an important part of any court. That being said, I am quite aware that they are not my strong point.”


Staring ahead, ignoring Ivan, an amused smile on his face, "As to which matters, I suppose that will be up to your Lord Father, Elmar."


Indicating the Colt at the front of the column, Elmar says, “My brother Colt up there has the potential to be a much better diplomat than I, should he ever desire.”


Arching an eyebrow and looking briefly at Colt, "Really?" he says, "Most interesting. I look forward to seeing his diplomacy skills first hand." he tilts his head slightly, "No doubt he serves your father well in that capacity."


“His efforts on behalf of this house have already been quite hospitable," Edmure remarks, a bemused look on his face. He nods to Colt, and Colt beams a bit and nods back to his brother.


Elmar chuckles, “Probably for the better since he's never really been able to beat me in a stand up sword fight.”


Colt heard his brother and wanted to respond, as was his nature, but he continued playing the role of the disciplined captain. Ahhh, the sacrifices I have to make these days to impress. Still, he was proud of his position and his men.


As the ride goes on, Edmure continues to take pulls from the skin Colt gave to him, and his careful composure seems to relax a bit. A slight blush rises on his cheeks. Colt pays an occasional glace back always making sure everything is going as planned. He notes Edmure relaxing a bit and still partaking of the skin he just smiles to himself and leads the troupe towards the village and castle.


“Tell me" says Edmure, to no one in particular, "What does a man do for fun around these parts?"


Colt starts to grin but doesn't say anything, deferring to his brother as he did most of the time. Ivan simply bursts into laughter


Maintaining his composure, Elmar answers Edmure, “I suppose that would depend on what you consider fun, my lord. Do you fancy riding? Hunting? Women? Swordplay?


“Yes!” Colt blurts out.


Elmar glances over his shoulder at Ivan, but the great mans thunderous laughter continues.


Edmure grins, "They all make good sport, I find." Out of sight of Edmure, Quentyn rolls his eyes.


“Well put, My Lord.” chimes in Colt. “Though, we can always change the order of that fun if you like. Perhaps hunting, and then riding...women and swordplay after.” Colt clearly likes the young lord Edmure.


Ser Ivan adds, “Four words for the same thing.”


Looking at Edmure, clearly amused, Elmar responds, “Hunting we have planned, sword play is something I'd be happy to indulge you in. Women and riding, though? Riding women? That’s more of my brother's area.


“You hunt for a woman, and then comes the swordplay and the riding!” Ivan says brusquely, causing Gavin to snicker.


Ignoring Ivan, Elmar continues as he stares at Colt, “I'm sure when he's finished laughing at his own jokes he'd be happy to tell you where the best ones are.


Colt blurts out a gush of laughter than tended to come when somebody was trying to hold it in. He looks at Gavin and Ivan with wet eyes from the mirth that now filled him. Even Elmar has a semblance of a smile starts to crack.


Riding alongside the men Willem looks ahead, listening, but content to remain silent.


Quentyn cracks dryly, "This land has quite enough Rivers as it stands, boys."


To which Ivan responds loudly, “Could use a few more Hills though! Or we could catch a boat, make a few Pykes.”


Elmar, composing himself, says, “Quite right uncle. My father would disapprove of this conversation. Come, let us proceed with haste, before we embarrass ourselves further.”


Colt wipes away the tears of laughter and tries to ignore Ivan; he was just making it worse. He tries to compose himself and glances back at Edmure and gives him a quick wink.


Ignoring Ser Quentyn, Ivan says, “What your father doesn't know won't trouble him, boys!”


Looking at Ser Ivan, Willem speaks up, “Ah, Ser...Hill, was it? That is what can trouble a Lord most of all.”


“Aye, I'm Ser Ivan Hill, and maybe but I've always found my Lord gets more troubled by things that are actual problems.”


“You mistake my meaning, ser.” Willem replies coolly.


Colt makes note of Willem's response. It appeared that father was going to soon have some eyes and ears away from court, he thought.


“Besides,” Ivan continues, “Bastards can come in handy, isn't that right Gavin!”


The eagle Éanna calls out the arrival of the group into town from above, and then gracefully descends to rest on Gavin's out-stretched arm, "That's right, we make life worth living for everyone."


"Or make sure they can keep living it!" replies Ivan.


The town of Riverstone is ahead, and the castle just beyond. The smallfolk of the town have gathered along the roadside in order to catch a glimpse of the young Tully. Elmar takes an opportunity to say, “My Lord Tully, excuse me for one moment.” He says, and then calls out, “Ser Runcel! Please, ride ahead and notify my father that we will be in the castle momentarily.”


Ser Runcel nods, "Aye, my lord." and spurs his horse forward.


Colt’s gaze quickly shifted and became focused on the smallfolk as they gathered, providing him the chance to give the occasional smile or wink to certain choice individuals.


Edmure, looking well amused now by all the banter, with a bright red flush to his cheeks nods toward the castle, "So this is Riverstone Hall then? It looks to be a slight bit nicer than that dreadful holdfast which we stopped at two days thence."


Elmar bows his head graciously, “Ah, well we are happy you find it pleasing, My Lord. We have prepared the best quarters in the keep for your arrival; we can only hope that you find them as pleasing.”


He continues, “Also, should you find yourself needing anything during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask myself, my Lord father, or my brother... we will make it yours, provided that it is possible to do so.”


Colt adds, “If my lord feels, anything is missing...,” he starts as he looks back at Edmure, “…just say the word we will take care of that problem in no time.


As the liquor settles into his belly, the initial veneer of the lordling begins to erode from Edmure's demeanor, and more of the brash boy starts to show through.


Edmure laughs, "I'm sure you will."

 

[Inazuma]

Hello, Group. It looks like I will be joining you tomorrow and Flagg asked that I run a concept by you to make sure that you guys didn't have him roasting on a spit before the evening was out.


I was talking with Thane and he suggested "why not play a disgraced/outcast noble from the Iron Islands" (more or less, he actually used a lot more words than that). I said "hmm, what could I do with that". My proposal for a character was:

I was thinking of playing a noble from the Iron Islands that was removed from his position (he escaped before they could kill him, but they did get the rest of his household) and he fled to the Riverlands where he hoped to curry favor by warning them of the oncoming conflict. By the time he recovered from his injuries, he was too late, but since he knows many of the nobles involved, perhaps he can still be of use as an advisor.


I haven't decided whether I want him to be more military focused ("leader of men"/inspiring) or if he was setting up his own information networks (connected, treacherous). Either way, his "allies" saw him as a threat and decided to end him.



For those Feist fans, I am picturing Amos Trask. He would not be wearing his status on his sleeve, but his blood would show true and his experience and knowledge of the "enemy" would obviously mark him as an Ironmen.


What are your thoughts? Should I keep the Ironmen concept and deal with suspicions from the party until he earns their trust, or would you have him hanging from a tree by sundown and I should consider an origin that is not on the side of the current foe?


-Steve.

 

[Starswords]

I have no problem with that concept though we already have a disgraced nobleman in our midst <_<

 

[Inazuma]

though we already have a disgraced nobleman in our midst

He isn't disgraced. He just has lots of friends/enemies that overthrew him, killed his family, and took over his keep.

 

[Flagg]

As a point of fact, we've lost nicholscs (and thus Willem Bracken) to RL issues, so we do have an open "disgraced nobleman" slot.

 

[Inazuma]

Any preference which you would rather have in your midst: A seasoned Commander or a honey-tongued Schemer? Right now I have statted them both out and sketched out their history in a little more detail.

 

[Lord-Leafar]

I think there's good potential for the concept, I am a bit curious as to how you imagine his view on the customs and ideology of his people? More specifically does he pay the iron price for his stuff? Is that the reason he's planning to turn against his countrymen, to reclaim his stollen things?

 

[Inazuma]

He is willing to turn on them because they killed his family and nearly him, first and foremost, and the fact that they took all of his stuff and put his men to the sword does bother him greatly. The person/people (Nemesis) responsible for his downfall are likely involved in the conflict, which gives him reason to join it.


He is pragmatic enough to realize that he cannot pay the iron price without working his way back up and earning his own way by whatever means necessary. At his age (a ripe 38), he is not sure whether he wants to "get back what was his", so much as reacquire the things that he lost (keep/lands/men), after he accomplishes his goal of revenge. He longs to return to his home and realizes that he has a long road ahead of him and if that is denied him, he will make his home wherever he can.


Schemer and Commander would take different paths, but both would have to grudgingly make use of others' resources until they can take back their own.

 

[Inazuma]

The Commander concept would probably fit the Ironborn concept better and is the direction that I am leaning.

 

[Lord-Leafar]

I think the concept will bring some nice dramatic potential, I'm all for it if Flagg and the others are ok with it.

 

[Flagg]

So, as many of you may have noticed, this game died. Mostly, it was due to me over-committing myself and not being able to consistently run the game on a weekly basis. We (myself, and the remaining players who didn't get frustrated with me and quit) agreed to put it on indefinite hold.


I still can't commit to a weekly chat game, between work, parenting, and selling my house, but I still have the SIFRP bug. I was thinking about trying a play-by-post or play-by-email game instead, as the pace is more relaxed, and doesn't involve the need to coordinate people's schedules. My only problem is, I've never done one before, so I don't really know the tricks of the trade. Is anyone here willing to mentor me a bit?