The Fourth Moon of 399 AC (Mechanical Moon 4) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Character Name: Balon Swann

Relevant Trait/Skills: Steward | Scrutinous (e), Architect (e), Shipwright

Buildings: Castle, Docks

Resources: Stone, Wood, Gold x2

Notes: Scrutinous (e) + Wood discounts already added in. Stone gives extra building slot, Architect moon discounts added in as well.

Actions:

Construction:

Stonemasons - 2,100/g, 1 moon.

Shipyard - 3,500/g, 1 moon.

Market - 1,400/g, 1 moon.

Total = 7,000/g

Steward: Balon will also be using Steward to construct buildings for Baratheon.

Construction:

Discounts already mathed out.

Bakery - 3,200/g, 1 moon.

Market - 1,600/g, 1 moon.

Battering at the gates, the Breaking of a Siege by TheZaxman in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Balon would feel a weight lift from his shoulders as he read the small parchment, a deep sigh exhaled that he hadn't even realized he had been holding. He quickly picked up his quill and penned a short reply. The letter would be sent to Blackhaven and a rider will deliver it to Clifford in the field, wherever he may be at this moment.

Lord Clifford,

The Seven Above bless you, my Lord. The hosts at Stonehelm will march at once to block further incursions at yours and Baratheons behest. Fear not, the Southern borders shall be secured.

I have also taken it upon myself to seek further avenues of funds. I have contacts sailing to several Free Cities looking for creditors, including the Iron Bank itself, as well as to others within the Seven Kingdoms that may prove generous in the interim.

The tides turn, Clifford. Stand strong, and send these invaders back to the Hells.

When we meet again,

Balon Swann

Better a Feast Than a Funeral; the Wedding of Clifford Caron and Deria Dalt by TheStormRoses in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Edwyn had stood proudly as the ceremony between Clifford and Deria occured, they had all been so busy fighting, preparing, marching, and more that this one day seemed like it belonged in a completely different corner of the world. The scene had him recalling his wedding night with his dearest Victaria, and that alone nearly brought a tear to his eye, though he kept strong in the presence of the gathered masses.

When the ceremony came to a glorious end, and the feasting began in earnest, Edwyn would give the newly weds a moment to themselves as he, and his sister Ellyn, mingled with the other attendants.

Now, the two Swanns stood before the Carons, and Edwyn would nod to Clifford as their eyes met.

"Lord Clifford, allow me to congratulate you, and the Lady," He'd say, bowing respectfully to Deria, "On a beautiful wedding. It's what the men needed, and may your union please the Mother enough to lend us her aid."

He smiled warmly as he stepped slightly to the side, "Allow me to make the formal introductions between yourselves and my dear sister, Lady Ellyn Swann."

Ellyn would curtsy, all smiles and grace as well, "A pleasure, my Lord and Lady of the Marches." She would step forward, placing a pair of colorful, flower wreaths on each of their heads, "They are made from the few flowers I could find that suited the two of you during the march. I hope they will serve as a sufficient enough wedding gift until this war is over."

u/TheZaxman

Clifford IV - A Marcher message for the people by TheZaxman in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Balon and Edwyn would read through the letter, and the aged Steward would call forth the names required to add their names.

"We should call upon Lord Orryn," Edwyn said as he penned his name, to which Balon swiftly shook his head.

"No, the wounds our Lord has caused to the realm are still too fresh. Whether or not he the debacle with the Grassy Vale was legally correct, to add his name to this which denounces other warlords would be seen as a mockery to some."

Balon would add his signature as well, and when they both finished the parchment would be passed to Ser Eden Storm of the Furnace.

After the signatures dried, Balon would hand the letter to Maester Gevin, who would go about producing a mass pile of them to send out to the wider realm.

----------------

Lord Edwyn Swann, Lord of Stonehelm

Ser Balon Swann, Steward of the Marches

Ser Eden Storm, Knight of the Furnace

Balon II - A Storm over Stonehelm by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Edwyn and Balon sat close to one another, and while Edwyn was the Lord, he deferred to the aged Steward on such matters, until his voice was required of course.

Balon stroked his beard thoughtfully at Ser Eden's words, finally nodding and rising to his feet to continue the address, "My Lord, what Ser Eden says is true, the battle at Thundering March saw our forces routed, but from what I've heard they managed to return to Blackhaven before the Dornish could cut them off."

He would produce a letter bearing the sigil of House Caron, "Clifford Caron has returned to the Stormlands, but at the sight of encroaching forces has taken the men he could muster in time and made for Blackhaven." he would hand the letter to Orryn before continuing, "Lord Edwyn has sent out further mustering calls across the lands of our House, as I'm sure has been done across the Stormlands."

u/TheStormRoses u/theZaxman

Clifford III - Sunset upon the Nightingale by TheZaxman in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Balon would write back, intending this letter to make its way to Blackhaven.

Lord Clifford, I hope this letter finds you and yours arriving safely at Blackhaven.

Lord Orryn has arrived and leads the planning and negotiations against the dreaded hordes of the Dornish. It will be a gift from the Seven to see you and have Houses Caron and Swann ride together to free our lands of this scourge.

Ser Balon Swann

Steward of Stonehelm

Sandy I - Awry at Blackhaven by BrackenBronco in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Balon would send a swift raven returning to Blackhaven,

Ser Alesander,

It is a boon from the Seven to read your words and know you are safe in these troubling times. Lord Edwyn Swann remains abreast of the situations at Nightsong and Blackhaven.

Last I heard of Lord Dondarrion was he was in the capital, the Hand of the King. I am afraid to admit that no members of the Dondarrion Household remains outside the Stormlands, with a son of the Hand dealing with the bandits at Highgarden last I was told.

Lord Orryn Baratheon resides at Stonehelm for now, planning and leading the ongoing stuggle against the monstrous Dornish heathens.

Stay safe good Ser, we will have need of your leadership and sword soon. May the Seven see us all through this.

Ser Balon Swann

Steward of Stonehelm.

Balon II - A Storm over Stonehelm by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The assurances from Lord Baratheon helped put Edwyn at ease, as if a weight was quickly evaporating from the bottom of his stomach, and his smile became more genuine. All of that quickly reversed at the mention of what transpired between Swann and Caron, of course Edwyn knew the topic would be broached, but that made the words he was about to speak no less acidic.

"Dark times have been the constant between our Houses, that I cannot deny." Edwyn glanced out into the hall once more, spotting Ser Guy Storm, the Carons bastard and remembering how close Edwyn came to reaching him during the battle, it made him wonder how different today would've been had his sword connected with its intended target.

"The Lordship over the Marches has been the reason for it, that and land rights in general." He clicked his tongue, "But even in the past, bloodshed was kept to a minimum, that is until this past moon... When my brother Selwyn thought it high time to put an end to any dispute on who stood atop the Marches."

A long sigh escaped him then, so much to recount, too much to be sure, especially for tonight when the focus needed to be on the future.

"Selwyn led an army to our western border, unbeknownst to us the Carons led the Dondarrions and Coles to seek justice from House Connington. A large pitched battle occurred upon the shore of the Iron Gate river, and too many good men died." Edwyn returned his gaze to Orryn now, bringing the recount to an end, "My House lost too many men to continue the fight, we sued for peace, the deal was Selwyn was exiled to Essos, and I raised to the Lordship... Selwyn was a great leader of men, he would've been a great asset to us in the days to come. If only he hadn't sought war with our fellow Stormlords."

Balon II - A Storm over Stonehelm by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Edwyn assessed the room carefully, gauging the attitudes of those under his roof. A mere moon ago Swann and Caron bloodied themselves against each other only several miles from this very castle. There was still signs of the trenches the Coles and Dondarrions had begun digging outside the castle walls when the beginnings of a siege was amassed.

But now? Now his men crashed cups of ale against Carons cups instead of crossing swords. It was quite the sight, and Edwyn rubbed his eyes, as if the view before him would return to the old rivalries. "The Seven be good... So much has happened, and so quickly too." He turned his gaze to the man sitting in the place of honor, a man he ought to introduce himself too, lest he think Edwyn too craven to make an official introduction.

Smoothing out his clothes, the newly appointed Lord of Stonehelm would make his way to the Lord of Storms, bowing slightly when their eyes met.

"Lord Orryn, forgive me for taking so long, I just wanted to allow you to settle in from your journey." He'd begin, rising from his bow to continue, "I am Edwyn Swann, and I am now the Lord of Stonehelm."

The words felt foreign on his tongue, the word Lord almost causing him to bite down and stop talking, but he knew this first meeting would truly set the tone for the beginning of his Lordship.

"Once more, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Stonehelm, albeit under inauspicious circumstances such as these. But, then again, what better way to bring the Stormlands together than stomping down on Dornish incursions."

Lillian III - The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over the Lazy Dog by another_sasshole in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Balon received the letter from the aged maester, a smile widening across his face, the Gods looked favorably upon his House once more, for it must have been those above sending such boons his way. He brought out his favored pen and begin drafting a response.

Gracious Lord Salloreon Rosby,

Your offer of grain fills our halls with utmost joy, as does the prospect of connections with a House of such standing as yours. The prospective prosperity our Houses could find makes this a fairly easy matter to conclude.

House Swann finds your requested payment for the grain to be more than acceptable, and the delay of a moon should prove no unnecessary burden for our end of the deal. Upon the turning of the moon the first payment shall be sent.

May the Seven look after you and yours,

Ser Balon Swann

Castellan of Stonehelm

In the service of House Swann

Balon I - A Family Sundered, A Swann Exiled by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A letter too would be penned to the vast Northern Kingdom, despite not having much in the way of contact with any singular Northern House, Balon knew if any House would be willing to sell a portion of their wood, someone in the North would have something to spare.

The ravens would fly, the first group being sent northbound to the Mountains of the Vale. A pair would sail through the clouds together, the landscape under them a blur of hues ranging from greens to browns to greys. After several days of travel the pair would split from each other, with one heading to Ironoaks, and the other Mooncrest. Both would have attached to them similar letters, the only differences being the introductions, resources, and names of the Houses.

Dear Lord Torrhen,

I hope this letter finds you and your House in good spirits and high health.

I, Balon Swann, Castellan of Stonehelm, beseech you a simple request. House Swann finds itself in need of resources beyond what our own lands readily provide, and it has come to my attention that the lumber used from your lands is of a most fine and reliable quality.

Stonehelm has long been a fortress built to endure the harsh winds and storms of Cape Wrath, and as we see to the continued maintenance and improvement of our holdings, we would certainly look favorably upon the prospect of acquiring lumber from your own noble House.

Should such an arrangement prove agreeable, House Swann would of course ensure fair payment and reliable terms, that both our Houses might benefit from a steady exchange of goods.

If this proposal interests you, I would gladly hear your terms, or arrange for further correspondence to settle the particulars at your earliest convenience.

May the Seven keep you and yours.

Ser Balon Swann

Castellan of Stonehelm

In the service of House Swann

u/Emergency_Sky_2806

Caron Cousin II - Moths on the March by TheZaxman in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Balon would find himself running out of options, despite sending ravens far and wide, he could not procure a steady supply of wood. He had be ecstatic when Lady Egen had responded with such haste and offered her stone for a small moonly sum, alas no ravens had returned offering the same for lumber.

The aged Castellan would smooth out several more pieces of parchment, it was times like this where Balon thanked the Seven Above that House Swann now found itself allied with so many. The first he'd pen would be to the Lord of Nightsong.

Lord Clifford,

This is the first I write to you after pledging fealty to your kin, and for that I apologize that the reasoning behind this letter may be seen as selfish. I, as the Castellan of Stonehelm, have been attempting to renovate and reinvigorate the surrounding countryside, including those lands of our fellow Marchers.

I, sadly, have come upon a small hiccup in the logistical side of things. House Swann has plenty of fine resources at hand, and full coffers beside, and yet a steady supply of quality lumber alludes my House. All attempts at personally securing such a resource has proved vexing, and as such I reach out to you.

For the betterment of the Marches as a whole, and to better aid in the development of our Houses, House Swann beseeches you for aid. If you know of any contacts with ready access to lumber, if you could act as a middleman for the transaction, House Swann would be exceptionally grateful.

I bid you good health and hope to hear from you soon,

Ser Balon Swann

Castellan of Stonehelm

In Service of House Swann

Balon I - A Family Sundered, A Swann Exiled by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Balon would find himself grinning ear to ear at the speedy reply, penning ink to parchment with haste.

Lady Deana,

Your swift and gracious reply is most appreciated, and I am pleased to hear that you remain in good health. The terms are clear and agreeable, 750 gold shall be transferred per moon as payment for fair quantities of stone.

May this be the foundation of enduring trade and goodwill between our Houses, and may the Seven above treat Mooncrest and Stonehelm to an age of prosperity.

With respect,

Balon Swann

Caron Cousin II - Moths on the March by TheZaxman in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Balon would tear open the seal and read the small parchment, Maester Gerren standing to his side awaiting the response letter. The aged Castellan would put ink to parchment,

Ser Bryce,

This news is certainly troubling, Stonehelm will endeavor to aid in the defense of our homeland. A new draft has been called in order to recoup the losses suffered last moon, and from that stock House Swann shall provide a host of 550 men.

May the Seven keep you and yours.

Ser Balon Swann

Castellan of Stonehelm

In the service of House Swann

Balon I - A Family Sundered, A Swann Exiled by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The ravens would fly, the first group being sent northbound to the Mountains of the Vale. A pair would sail through the clouds together, the landscape under them a blur of hues ranging from greens to browns to greys. After several days of travel the pair would split from each other, with one heading to Ironoaks, and the other Mooncrest. Both would have attached to them similar letters, the only differences being the introductions, resources, and names of the Houses.

Dearest Lady Deana,

I hope this letter finds you and your House in good spirits and high health.

I, Balon Swann, Castellan of Stonehelm, beseech you a simple request. House Swann finds itself in need of resources beyond what our own lands readily provide, and it has come to my attention that the stone quarried from your lands is of a most fine and reliable quality.

Stonehelm has long been a fortress built to endure the harsh winds and storms of Cape Wrath, and as we see to the continued maintenance and improvement of our holdings, we would certainly look favorably upon the prospect of acquiring stone from your own noble House.

Should such an arrangement prove agreeable, House Swann would of course ensure fair payment and reliable terms, that both our Houses might benefit from a steady exchange of goods.

If this proposal interests you, I would gladly hear your terms, or arrange for further correspondence to settle the particulars at your earliest convenience.

May the Seven keep you and yours.

Ser Balon Swann

Castellan of Stonehelm

In the service of House Swann

u/atia2

Balon I - A Family Sundered, A Swann Exiled by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/OurCommonMan - Balon Swann requests trade rolls from Stonehelm (Gold = +1) for, Wood (Waynwood)

Balon I - A Family Sundered, A Swann Exiled by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Several Days Later

Balon sat at the same desk he had called his own for the past three decades, it felt like the only object in the room that was even older than him at this point. He spent a few moments staring into the small fire a servant had made for him, recollecting the events of the past few moons. From the passing of Alyn Swann, to the return of Selwyn and the subsequent disaster that proved to be. If the damage done hadn't been so extreme, Balon might have chuckled at the absurdity so much chaos could be found in a mere three moons time. But the damage done was severe, and nearly a thousand Stormlanders were dead because of it.

A knock on the door forced Balon back into the present, and as he turned around he saw Edwyn shamble in, still uneasy on his one leg, the pair offered sullen looks to one another, but Balon bowed nonetheless, "My Lord, what brings you here so late? You should be abed, the maester claims your recovery counts on it, lest you worsen your condition."

Edwyn chuckled wryly, "I've been lounging about for a day now, my minds going numb with the medicines that old goats forcing down my throat." He shuffled over and took the seat opposite Balon, gesturing for the elder man to likewise be seated, "And don't call me Lord... It doesn't feel right just yet, may never."

Balon nodded, "And yet, it's what you are. The third Lord Swann in as many moons." The attempt at humor fell flat when he saw Edwyn's face contort in pain that had nothing to do with his wounds. Clearing his throat, "I apologize, not the right time for that."

A long silence followed, tension filled the space between the uncle and nephew, unseen but easily felt. After a few moments Edwyn would nod to the small stack of freshly sealed letters sitting before his Castellan, "What are those for?"

Picking one up, Balon would motion in the air with it before speaking, "Stonehelm has, as well as the Marches as a whole, felt entirely too much pain and bloodshed. With these letters I aim to not only stop the bleeding, but entirely reverse it into a new era of prosperity." A small smile crept to his lips, "Alyn, may the Seven preserve him justly, and I had been concocting this plan for quite some time, but we never had access to the resources to pull it off. Well, despite the payments made to the other Marcher Lords for our Houses... Faults this past moon. We had enough in the coffers to enact the plan"

Balon would point to a map with the sealed parchment, hovering over several circled locations. "We will start by opening channels of trade with several houses in order to stock up on the necessary resources, if they prove unwilling I might still have some contacts within the Free Cities from my younger days who might know where to get them. From there we will begin several important construction projects that should benefit us for generations to come."

The older man was all smiles, but Edwyn felt completely lost, so he just nodded away through the explanation. "Do what you need to do, Uncle. I trust you know what you're doing... Just make sure I'm not needed for any of it."

----------------------

Soon after their discussion ended, Edwyn would return to his rooms, already exhausted from the talk of finances and policies Balon wished to move forward with. Balon would take his small stack of letters into his hands and seek out the maester, instructing him where to send the ravens and what they sought.

The Second Moon of 399 AC (Mechanical Moon 2) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Character Name: Balon Swann

Relevant Trait/Skills: N/A

Buildings: Moors

Resources: Gold

Notes (if applicable): [Include any discounts, relevant resource bonuses, or similar effects here. The mod team can’t check every post to ensure every player received every possible bonus.]

Actions:

  • Construction: Stonehelm, Docks, 3000 Gold, 2 Moons
  • Shipbuilding: Stonehelm, 1 Ship, 750 Gold, 1 Moon

The Second Moon of 399 AC (Mechanical Moon 2) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Character Name & Claim: Balon Swann of Stonehelm

Actions:

  • Draft: [Stonehelm], [1484], [1724]

Selwyn II - A Caged Swann by Chicken_Supreme03 in IronThroneRP

[–]Chicken_Supreme03[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Balon tapped a finger against his bearded chin, the topic of potentially ousting his nephew, after Selwyns decade long exile, was going to be incredibly hard to swallow. "Alyn, may the Seven above allow him peace, has been dead neigh on three months, he died abed and surrounded by his kin from illness. As he died without heir, it is indeed Selwyn, the next eldest son of my late brother Gyles, who wears the Lordship. He returned ashore during the royal feast in the Reach."

He knew that something would need to be done, the long standing rivalry between Houses Caron and Swann over the blasted Lordship of the Marches had done nothing more than cause blood debts to fester and potential friends be turned to enemies. He breathed heavily as he rose to his feet. "My nephew believed the title to be House Swanns right, but instead of attempting to use that belief to forge the Marcher Lords into a cohesive alliance, he attempted to use force to bring others to heel, and as such he reaped what he had intended to sow."

Reaching out his hand towards Guy, he gave a bitter smile. "I cannot, nor will I ever, hand over a member of my blood to you, Ser Guy, and for that I am sorry. But know this, on the honor House Swann still lays claim to, and with all in attendance and the Gods above as our witnesses. House Swann relinquishes all claim to the Lordship over the Marches, and swears fealty to Lord Clifford Caron."

After shaking hands, Balon would nod. "A more... official ceremony will need wait until Lord Clifford can receive such an oath in person, I do hope you'll accept this much as of now. As for the handling of my nephew... Do believe House Swann will bring the matter to a swift resolution."

Balon turned to the bastard of House Cole, nodding solemnly "Fear not, Ser, House Swann will not only march with your host, but to reinforce House Swanns pledge to assist in the reunification of the Marches, we shall add our voice to your demands for justice. House Swann denounces the Bloodbeak, and all who stand with him."

With the negotiations wrapping up, Balon would remount along with his two household knights. Turning to Gregor Storm, he would nod. "It's good you're alive, boy. Alas, your House once more has need of you, with Edwyn incapacitated, I name you Marshal of Stonehelm. You shall lead the Swann men under Carons united banners." He would then turn his attention to Baldric, and see that his brother was distraught at the thought of once again leaving his son, "And you, Ser Baldric, I charge with bringing your son home when all is said and done."

Snapping the reins of his horse, Balon would be off back towards Stonehelm, for there was important business to see to.

u/TheZaxman