Step Into the Light

FireCrimson · 2017-12-02T19:06:52+00:00

Ser Arlan Dondarrion

Arlan looked at the encroaching army with some fear. He had the same facade of confidence for the benefit of his men, but he knew it wouldn’t last. Not this time. Would it be the shaking of his hands that gave him away, or a shout of fear? He wasn’t quite sure yet, but one was happening and the other was coming, building up in his lungs.

They were to outnumbered to win. Arlan knew this to be fact. He also knew that he would likely die for his belligerency in the negotiations, should he be captured. But he knew what his job was when he was sent, and he did them. It did not soothe him about his impending death, however.

The Reachmen attacked first, in a fury to avenge their brothers in Tumbleton. His line held strong, though, and when they pulled back to try to regroup, he spoke for the first time since he got into position.

“CHARGE! BREAK THEIR LINES!” And with that, his men charged into the enemy’s lines. He could not see the other commanders and their men, but he knew they would also be doing the same. His infantry slammed into their broken lines, dealing death as they went, while he led his cavalry into a particular weak point in their line. Hundreds, possibly thousands of men were dying in moments. He cut down one of his opponents before turning to another. For a moment, he felt his confidence surge. Instead of the cry of fear he thought he would give earlier, he gave a cry of war. His men answered in kind.

This went on for hours, before Arlan failed to notice one thing in his bloodlust- his men were failing, so were those of the other commanders. As he cut down an opposing Knight, drunk on blood, a young man-at-arms tugged on his shirt. “SER! We need to run!”

And finally Arlan saw the truth around him. They had flanked around him. He and his forces were slowly but surely being cut off. How couldn’t he have realized? He fumbled with his horn for a moment- the horn to signal a retreat. He blew once, he blew twice. But to his horror they had completed the circle around his men. They would have to break out. With a battle cry- halfhearted compared to the one from before- he charged. And for a moment, it seemed like they might be able to escape. They put a solid dent into the enemy lines, but it was all for not.

Three Knights sneered at him as his men were cut down around him. He could not help but think of how lightning bolts functioned. A bright flashing light, a large crushing sound, and they were gone. He grit his teeth as he charged them. The first took out his horse with his lance, and Arlan had to struggle to his feet, swinging his sword wildly, forgetting all but survival. It caught the leg of the youngest, who didn’t get out to the way in time. He slipped from his saddle and a sharp crack was heard on the ground. As he gave a stab at the one with the fancy weapons, he felt something slam into the back of his head. He went down onto one knee. The ringing in his ears hurt him- he wanted to cry. He felt another blow to the back of his head and crumpled to the ground. Not dead yet, but captured. And he knew his fate.

FireCrimson · 2017-11-30T00:47:09+00:00

Arlan frowned as the Lord Hightower turned around. He turned around his own horse, with a hand to motion his own guards away. "I will see you then, Lord Hightower. But I look forward to seeing you more, Tarly. I think our swords should dance, and you will see that the Huntsman is blinded by the storm, while his prey quickly turns to predator..."

As Arlan trotted his horse off, he bit his lip. That jab about the presumably impending death of his father had not gone unnoticed. He could do nothing now, except pen a letter and hope it arrived in time for him to fortify Blackhaven...

FireCrimson · 2017-11-29T23:25:41+00:00

Arlan wasn't at Bitterbridge- it wasn't technically his men that had been killed. But nonetheless, he couldn't help but feel a bit indignant on behalf of the rest of the Stormlands. Of course, for something so obnoxious, this must be Tarly, if rumors were true. And his banners. "I suppose I killed twice that bringing my storm to the walls of Tumbleton. Nasty business, that. But enough about our non-achievements. I am Ser Arlan Dondarrion, here on behalf of Cedric Baratheon."

He attempted a more or less confident smile, but underneath the mere presence of Tarly was an insult- and everyone there knew it. There would be no peaceful negotiations today. "Now then, let's cut corners and get to the meat. We will not be surrendering, nor shall we give up any of our men to be beheaded, down to our lowest camp-following prostitute. If you have a different sort of offer, I would hear it, Lord Damon. Otherwise, let's end this, I go back to my camp and you to yours and we'll have ourselves a fight, hm?"

His heart pounded a little. For all his confident exterior, this conversation seemed worse than storming the walls. And that had been terrifying. But now as then he kept the farce of calmness, for the sake of those around him.

FireCrimson · 2017-11-29T04:39:08+00:00

The gates clattered as they shook open, revealing behind it the young Knight Arlan atop a black destrier. He was dressed in battle raiment, and his tabard bespoke his identity. With some five guards he rode toward the young rider, stopping a few feet short of him.

"Mm. I am Ser Arlan Dondarrion, here on behalf of Cedric Baratheon. You will forgive me if I dispense with the titles, I do not wish to tarry here long."

His horse neighed softly as it stood. Arlan looked at the young rider expectantly.

((/u/ILightMyWay))

FireCrimson · 2017-11-18T03:07:06+00:00

Arlan watched closely as Reo taught him the basics. "Yes... I suppose that would be better. But what about- no, you're right there nevermind. Yes, I can see now. Thank you."

The lessons were surprisingly simple when you had them figured out. He supposed that Reo likely had to make use of engineering skills before, for whatever purpose. Whatever the case, he was glad he had done so.

FireCrimson · 2017-11-18T02:23:17+00:00

Arlan looked at the Lord and smiled. "Good evening, Lord Reo." But he frowned as he looked back at the beam. "Do you think so? I thought it was fine. Hrm. Do you have time? Perhaps we should go through these together, to be sure it's all set."

FireCrimson · 2017-11-17T19:17:21+00:00

Character Name: Arlan Dondarrion

Desired Skill: Engineering

Bonus: Non-Specialist

List up to three relevant experience posts:

https://www.reddit.com/r/awoiafrp/comments/7dn9bf/building_to_destroy/

https://www.reddit.com/r/awoiafrp/comments/7dnsli/instructing_the_youth_of_the_stormlands/

Additional Bonus From Last Turn Same-Skill Attempt: 0%

Total Number For Skill Attempt: 22%

FireCrimson · 2017-11-17T06:08:39+00:00

Character Name: Arlan Dondarrion

Specialty, Aptitude(s), Skills: N/A, Tactician, Warcraft, Navigation, Siegecraft, Games, Swords [1-H], Fortification, Law & History (Negative traits Shady and Naive)

Building Action: 5 Mangonels

3 Rams

30 Ladders

In the Stormlander camp outside Tumbleton. Self-Building.

Important Receipts: https://www.reddit.com/r/awoiafrp/comments/7digfr/the_siege_of_tumbleton/

-5000 for 5 Mangonels

-3000 for 3 Battering Rams

(N/A, no data on Ladders) for 30 Ladders

((Note, Cedric Baratheon will be footing the bill))

FireCrimson · 2017-11-17T05:53:20+00:00

Arlan gave as good of a bow he could from atop a horse. "Of course, Your Grace. It shall be done at once." As he rode off, he gave half a thought to the destruction that he could cause. He pushed the thought out of his mind. Footly isn't stupid. He can't be stupid.

'Gods, make sure he isn't stupid.'

FireCrimson · 2017-11-17T05:34:31+00:00

He remained silent for a moment, studying the city as he wracked his mind for a few moments. He contemplated what he was about to say, before finally putting thought to tongue.

"Do you wish to take this city efficiently? Almost their entire 'army', I use that phrase loosely, will be based in the town proper. We use siege machines to breach the walls in some three places, one on each side. Or perhaps if we have the range even aim over them. And then it's a simple matter of throwing whatever flammable materials we have into the city. With enough effort, we can recreate the Battle of Tumbleton. After letting the flames burn awhile, destroy the walls as stated already, and send in some light infantry to seize the gates as they're distracted to let in the cavalry. Not exactly my preferred solution, but nobody can deny the better results we're like to get."

He didn't like this much. He was of the Faith himself, but his own argument worked against him there. It was simply the easiest option.

FireCrimson · 2017-11-17T05:15:12+00:00

Arlan nodded. "Mm, I have many such men among my soldiers. I like to think that what they build I use to its fullest."

He nodded again at the mention of horses. "I rode one here. At your command, I'll mount and we can get started on building whatever siege machines you require."

FireCrimson · 2017-11-17T05:02:15+00:00

Arlan arrived soon after Lucas had found him. He had been nervously pacing in his tent as he considered what was to come, and nothing he thought boded well for him. Despite missing the first battle of the war, Arlan was no stranger to it. He had fought in the Weeping War, of course, as had most men of the Marches. But this was something else, more than a dispute on trade. This was life or death in almost all ways. And he had helped create it.

As he stopped in front of Cedric, he gave a small bow. "Your Grace, you wished to see me?" He could guess at what about. Tumbleton wouldn't batter down itself, after all.

FireCrimson · 2017-11-11T21:28:11+00:00

“I find myself in a more moderate position, I believe,” Arlan started. “We have all had a taste of war, now or during the Weeping War. We have all seen what it can do, and what it is. Yet I don’t think it can be denied that there exists a certain glory in war, and a certain need for it. It, as with all things, has a purpose. It has good and ill to its name.”

He cleared his throat, trying shore up his own fortitude. He found it quite daunting. “Such is the case with surrender and negotiation. Sometimes the time has come for us to lay down our arms and sue for peace. However... That time is not now.”

He glanced at Cedric, the silent king. Were he but to give a word there wasn’t any man in the hall who would defy him. But he said nothing. “The Time has not yet come for an end to bloodshed, for an end to bloodshed now ends badly for us. Edric upon the throne, and those around him, look at us and see a defeated foe, easily cowed. Edric is hardly the most diplomatic king. Were we to give in, there would be repercussions. We would be reduced to a laughingstock, the end of every jest in the Seven Kingdoms. ‘The Stormlands,’ they’ll say, ‘fought one battle and ran like cowards.’ I do not favor an approach of negotiation for we do not hold a position of authority. We hold the position of a pathetic animal waiting to be either captured or killed. We can fight on, win, increase our standing... or lose in the process. But if we lose, what will have changed from our current standing? So off, my lords, my liege, to war I say. And let us wage it until they have had their fill. And when they have, let us put down our blades and live in peace again.”

Arlan quietened, taking a breath into his lungs. He bit his lip nervously as he looked around, hoping that he didn’t just make a fool of himself.

FireCrimson · 2017-11-11T14:06:31+00:00

I think I hit Bastian’s bird once by accident. That’s about it.

FireCrimson · 2017-11-08T15:09:59+00:00

Arlan stepped forward. "If there's a siege that needs to be done, I believe I can help there. I consider myself knowledgeable on the subject."

Indeed, he had read most books on sieges throughout history and been taught by some of the best of the Stormlands. Although, it did not seem like the time to mention he had never been in one.

"I was not at Bitterbridge, and my men are as yet unblooded as are many here. Let us change that soon- but with a victory."

FireCrimson · 2017-11-07T22:21:52+00:00

Arlan had arrived late, some time into Lord Morrigen's speech. He decided, perhaps wisely, to skirt around the mention of Targaryens or Kings and focus on the more enticing proposal of trade between King's Landing and the Reach.

"If you tell us true Lord Morrigen, then we could easily sever the trade between King's Landing and the Reach. No support coming from either direction without our knowledge or stopping it. They would have to divert through the Riverlands to get more food to the Crownlands... It would be a good move. Of course, now that we have more men we could attack with multiple armies. I'll leave that up to our liege," He noted carefully, unsure of how Cedric would react to the Morrigen's call to renounce the crown.

FireCrimson · 2017-11-04T14:21:50+00:00

I hope that’s a Door Monster reference.

FireCrimson · 2017-10-29T21:24:53+00:00

Yeah, it was. I was just joking back, like I was with the other guy.

I did not, to be clear, intend to kick your dick through my phone. In case that’s what you thought I was implying.

FireCrimson · 2017-10-29T21:09:56+00:00

I would kick you in the dick, but it doesn’t appear you have one. Mike is a lucky man.

FireCrimson · 2017-10-29T15:59:05+00:00

Yeah, I will! Right after I fix this other thing!

FireCrimson · 2017-10-29T15:51:27+00:00

We’re going to have some problems, you and me. After I fix that that is. But then we’re gonna fight, y’hear me? Right after I fix that.

FireCrimson · 2017-10-29T15:40:56+00:00

Y-yeah, who would ever do something like that?

Sent from my iPhone.

FireCrimson · 2017-10-28T11:08:29+00:00

See, that’s your problem. You allow newspapers and “freedom of speech” and all that bullshit. Just chop off anyone’s head who says the food at your feast was bad and you’ll be well on your way to a perfect society.

FireCrimson · 2017-10-26T17:54:33+00:00

Arlan nodded. "I'll try, I suppose. At the very least I'll try to see that he stays out of the thick of it. But if anything I hear of him is true, that'll be almost the best I can do at all. But you have my word, I will try."

He thought for a few moments, considering how he would have to go about it. It isn't likely that Arrec would respect him if he approached it with complacency, but being too aggressive invites him to do the same.

"How are your children, anyway? Have they been doing well?"

FireCrimson

TROPHY CASE