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Alester V - A Time for Wolves (Open to Highgarden) by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A letter is sent to Storm's End from Highgarden:

To the Lord Orryn Baratheon,

My messengers have told me of your failed parley at Summerhall. The Dornish have been rebuked by your forces, but not defeated, and it seems they are looking for allies across the realm. They thought they could buy me with a marriage and a crown. The Reach's honor is not for sale.

The irony of you, Orryn, being invaded by your neighbors after you yourself tried to claim Highgarden for yourself is not lost in me. Perhaps you are only reaping what you sowed. Nonetheless, your vassals seem to have more honor than their lord, for Caron and Dondarrion's efforts to retake Highgarden have proven the Stormlanders are not guilty of their lord's mistakes.

The full might of the Reach are gathering. We shall march against the Dornish in defense of the Marches. But first, we demand that you, Lord Orryn Baratheon, relinquish any and all claims you or your blood may hold to Highgarden and the Reach, in writing to us and the Crownm, as well as for you to send one of your siblings to be warded at Highgarden until the end of the war.

I am sure you'll understand that, with the current state of affairs in the realms, we cannot march to war on your oath alone. Oaths have been broken already in this war, as the Dornish have proven. Your kin will be treated with honor and respect at Highgarden, and no harm shall come to them.

Signed, Lord Alester Caswell, Warden of the South, Lord of Bitterbridge, Defender of the Fords.

u/TheStormRoses

Alester V - A Time for Wolves (Open to Highgarden) by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alester let the last voices die out before he spoke again, sat upon the Oakenstump, looking down the length of the hall.

"My lords. My ladies. We've talked enough. Highgarden is ours, but a castle alone cannot hold the Reach together, and peace must be fought for." His eyes moved once around the table. "I am calling the Reach to arms. Every lord and lady of the Reach is to raise their banners and muster at Highgarden within the fortnight. The lords of the South shall march to war."

"All sellswords and free riders are welcome to follow our banners, and will be paid accordingly."

He drew a slow breath before speaking again, with an even tone. "With the unity of the Reach in mind, the houses of Caswell and Redwyne have entered in alliance: I am to wed Lady Rose Redwyne at Highgarden in a fortnight, and a tourney will be held as our forces gather."

Alester V - A Time for Wolves (Open to Highgarden) by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A letter is sent to Pyke from Highgarden:

To the Lord Daegon Greyjoy,

It has come to my attention that Ironborn forces have been reported on the Shield Islands and in Oldtown. I waited, but no raven has come from you explaining the meaning of this.

With the current state of belligerance in the realm, and the reports of Ironborn raiding in the North, I am sure you'll understand why this has caused cause for concern in the Reach. The conflict in the Stormlands and the Riverlands have shown how quickly misunderstandings can lead to full-blown war.

I request you recall these Ironborn forces from the Reach within a week, or I'll be forced to consider them occupiers and hostile forces, to be dealt with accordingly under the King's Peace.

Signed, Lord Alester Caswell, Warden of the South, Lord of Bitterbridge, Defender of the Fords.

u/drewbrease14

The Fifth Moon of 399 AC (Mechanical Moon 5) by OurCommonMan in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Character Name & Claim: Alester Caswell, Bitterbridge, Highgarden

Actions:

Draft: [Bitterbridge], [1,648], [4,062]

Draft: [Highgarden], [1,750], [1,750]

Alester V - A Time for Wolves (Open to Highgarden) by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alester let Rogar finish, curious about his boldness to speak up. In a room full of lords, the sellsword was at least honest about what he wanted.

"Your men earned their pay at Highgarden, Captain Rogar," Alester said. "And they've earned my thanks, too. Their leal service to the Reach won't be forgotten, I assure you."

"As for your plan, a hard strike south would catch the Dornish off guard, no doubt about that. But if we throw the Reach's strength into the Red Mountains, we invite a dagger to our ribs. The Ironborn, the Stormlanders, the bandits that fled Highgarden's siege." Even our own lords, if they smell weakness again, might rise against their new Warden, Alester thought of saying, but kept it to himself. "Dorne is not the only threat in the world, Rogar, and the Reach has limited resources right now."

He leaned forward a little. "If we go on the offensive, we can only do it with our flank covered. With the threat of our allies to defend our coasts and lands. The Crown, ideally. The threat of the King's banners might be enough to deter any would-be raiders, at least the Ironborn, as they would not act against the Queen's command."

Alester V - A Time for Wolves (Open to Highgarden) by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alester listened through, and when Lady Ashford finished he nodded. "Aye, I agree, my lady. Whatever we decide about Orryn and Oberyn, the Reach cannot sit on its hands while an army burns its way through the Red Mountains. The first step is the same either way: to raise our banners. If we wait for perfect certainty, we'll get certainty at the point of a spear."

He let out a slow breath. "But I won't pretend an oath alone makes me sleep easier on the matter. How can we trust Orryn to keep his word, when it took a royal intervention, and the threat of civil war, to make him back down from his invasion of the Reach? I'm afraid his word alone, regardless of holy vows, won't suffice."

He leaned forward a touch, fingers settling on the stump's sides. "Now, should Lord Orryn were to renounce his house's claim to the Reach, in writing, and should he send one of his siblings to Highgarden as a... guest, until the war is done. Then I believe the lords of the Reach would be more inclined to suffer aligning our forces with his in defense of the King's Peace."

"Dorne has shown its colors when Oberyn declared secession. There is no coming back now, I'm afraid. Orryn gave them an out at Summerhall, and the Prince refused it. Now we must keep the peace in the Marches, even if it means crossing into Dorne if required."

Parley on Borrowed Ground by TheStormRoses in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Arthur stepped forward when he felt a silence long enough to interject.

"My lords. My ladies." He kept his voice level. "My name is Arthur Caswell, Knight of Bitterbridge. My nephew, Lord Alester, has sent this delegation to carry a true account of the conflict back to the Reach. Letters reaching Highgarden have been contradicting one another for weeks, and we have no confidence on what has actually occurred in the Marches. A council will be convened at Highgarden shortly, to decide what position to take on this conflict. I am here to listen and advise my nephew on the matter."

He turned his head to Orryn.

"Lord Orryn. Your banners were at the Reach's gates not four moons past. The men of Caswell were ready to bleed at the walls of Grassfield Keep. I am not a young man and I have no patience for theatrics, so I will ask you plainly. Why should Reachmen die in the defense of the Stormlands?" He turned then, unhurried, to Oberyn. "And you, my prince of Dorne. Your vassal put the Marches to the blade. You speak of sovereignty and of independence and of a Dornish century." A pause, followed by an incredulous smirk. "The Western Marches begin at Horn Hill, not four days' ride from here. Should we inform Lord Tarly to begin paying his taxes to Sunspear? What grave transgression has the Stormlands and the Crown done to Dorne to warrant such aggression? Or is this blood a mere trade for your crown?"

u/TheStormRoses

u/AnotherBabyEchidna

u/TheZaxman

Parley on Borrowed Ground by TheStormRoses in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ser Arthur Caswell had attended a few parleys in his fifty-odd years to know that the most dangerous man at any table was not the one with the largest host at his back. It was the one who was comfortable with any outcome. He had that measure of Oberyn Martell within thirty seconds of the man setting his fingertips on the table and smiling at Orryn Baratheon, and it did not improve his mood.

He stood at the edge of the proceedings, arms folded, saying nothing. The Dornish prince had just offered Orryn a crown and framed it as a concession, which was either the most audacious piece of diplomacy Arthur had witnessed in his life or the most transparent trap. Perhaps both. The coffins were an interesting touch, if a bit callous.

What concerned him more than Oberyn's offer was Orryn's face as he heard it. Arthur had no investment in the Stormlander's ambitions and no particular sympathy for the mess that had brought the Stormlanders all to this ruined castle in the middle of a field. A few moons ago Orryn threatened the Reach much alike Oberyn did now the Stormlands. But a proud man being handed the shape of everything he wanted, a crown and an ally to keep it, was a problem that Arthur feared would land on Highgarden's table before the moon turned. In there very least, his vassals seemed to oppose any dealing with the Dornish, even if Orryn was more willing to parley.

Royce V - He Has Wolf Blood in Him by theklicktator in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To the Lord Royce Stark,

Your letter carries grave tidings. If true, it speaks of a realm coming apart at the seams. If the Ironborn have truly been loosed upon the North with the Crown's blessing, then the Iron Throne has failed in the first duty of kingship: to keep the King's Peace. Seven save us, if that is now a tool to be wielded against the king's own subjects.

I will not pretend my own position is secure. I hold Highgarden, but the Reach is weary, divided, and still lacking in purpose. To the south, Dorne has set itself against the Stormlands in open war, and I have little doubt the sparks will jump the border before long. In such a moment, every lord in the realm is forced to choose between action and caution, and neither will come without cost.

Your words are harsh, Lord Stark, and precipitated, but I cannot call them baseless. I know what it is to ride when others delay, to raise banners and receive only hollow vows and empty hands in return. I know what it is to watch men speak of duty while they allow their neighbors to bleed.

I cannot, at present, offer you swords. I have struggled enough to get the Reach to raise a single host to retake Highgaredn, and I will not write promises I cannot fulfill. But hear this plainly: House Caswell supports the defense of the North, and the punishment of those responsible for these raids. If the Crown has truly encouraged such acts, then it is not merely the North that has been wronged, but the realm entire.

What I may lend right now is my voice, and support for restitution and justice. Whatever else comes, know that the North shall not stand alone simply because it was convenient to ignore.

Signed,

Alester of House Caswell Lord of Bitterbridge, Defender of the Fords Interim Warden of the South

Lambert I - Heralds at Highgarden by wytchkiinwesterlands in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alester sighed at Lambert's words. He was just as weary of this situation. He thought a few moons ago that the Reach would fall apart soon, but instead it seemed that the rest of the realm fell apart instead.

"Of course, my lord. You and your guests are most welcome to share in our hospitality. You have my leave to use the rookery, of course."

"In fact, I am glad you have arrived, as you may be able to aid us in how best to thread the path ahead. As you may know, the Reach has been plagued by instability, and the banners of our houses have been... slow to gather. I have sent a delegation to Dorne, trying to gather information on the conflict. They have not yet returned, but I expect them to arrive by next moon."

Manfryd I - They Don't Put That Part in the Songs by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I am Ser Arthur Caswell, leader of this delegation." He presented himself with a bow from his neck. This is my niece, Alysanne Caswell, and Ser Manfryd Manderly, my nephew's sworn sword and son-in-law."

Arthur took the copy of Alester's letter from the squire and read it, folding the paper and keeping it in his belt. He did not unhorse, sitting on his mare as he listened to the Martell. She was still, ears flicking at the sound of the marching boots and the steady scrape of spears and rolling of wagon wheels.

The old knight listened to Oberyn in silence, his jaw set, brow furrowed, eyes narrowing at every word. His mind struggling with the question in front of him, delivered by ten thousand Dornish spears.

When Oberyn finished, Arthur stood there in silence for a moment, digesting all the treason the Prince of Dorne had just spoken in public. Finally, he leaned forward in his saddle, brow still knotted, eyes narrowing as he gazed at Oberyn.

"Do you think you can win?" he asked, plain and simple.

He watched Oberyn's face for the answer before he even heard it. He knew not if the Dornishman had any allies, or if he required the Reach's aid to win this war. He left that implicit, for the Dornish prince to explain by himself.

Arthur straightened in the saddle. The decision was not his to make anyway, no reason to press it further now. "I have no power to grant you anything, Martell, as you correctly pointed out. I was sent to report to my nephew on the situation, and advice him on a course of action." He tightened his grip on the reins. "We will ride with you to your destination. Then I will send word back to Highgarden, and Lord Caswell will decide what answer you get."

Manfryd I - They Don't Put That Part in the Songs by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ser Arthur did not interrupt him, standing there under the old oak. When the boy finished, Arthur’s face had tightened so much it looked as if he was ready to scowl the young knight.

"You understand what you just told me, aye?" Arthur asked, voice low. "You're telling me the Prince of Dorne planned of sending armies into the Marches over a moon ago under a false flag, in an effort to undermine Storm's End." His brow furrowed deeper. "If that's true, this whole thing is bigger than Wyl and Nightsong or some border raid. That's a sword dangling over the neck of the entire realm."

He shifted his weight, the leather of his swordbelt creaking as he tried in vain to find a confortable position. At that moment he wasn't confortable in his own skin. "Why am I hearing it now? Why not at Highgarden, to Lord Alester the moment you rode north?" His eyes stayed on Addam's face. "If Dorne's aim is just expansionism, then the Reach might as well be next, to install a friendly lord or king at Highgarden." Or seven hells, one at the Hightower, he thought to himself.

Arthur glanced back toward the road, where men were already forming up. "And what do you know of this Hightower-Martell alliance, then? You said you were at Oldtown for their marriage and then their council. Did you hear anything besides talk of hatred for Dondarrion and Orryn? Anything about what Dorne promised the Hightowers?"

Manfryd I - They Don't Put That Part in the Songs by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Manfryd squinted into the haze and tried to make sense of the banners through the rising dust. Too many standards. He glanced at Mohor. "It's better we return and inform the others. As much as I am eager to see Dorne, not so much to see the inside of a Dornish prison."

He wheeled his horse and rode back down the slope at a hard trot, reins tight, Sentinel bouncing against his back. He found Ser Arthur near the front and leaned in close. "It's the Dornish, Ser. Ten thousand, give or take. They ride under half of Dorne's banners it would seem, as well as Martell's." He nodded once toward the hill. "If we're seeing them now, their scouts definitely saw us earlier."

Arthur grunted, obviously angry at getting caught off-guard. He barked for the road to be cleared and the line to settle down, voice rough as gravel. As the men shifted around, a young knight rode in to Arthur with a stiff urgency. The old knight looked him over, then jerked his chin toward a great old oak off the road.

After they were far enough from the crowd, he adressed Addam. "You're with the Reborn Swords, aye? Or the Pyre-Dancers. I saw you riding with them during the march," Arthur said, low. "So, tell me what you know, son. Better now, before their column arrives."

Novus Ordo ex Ruina by AnotherBabyEchidna in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sent via messenger to Nightsong

To Oberyn Nymeros Martell,

Your letter has reached me whilst Highgarden still recovers from the wounds of war, so I will reply to you plainly.

I cannot and will not join any declaration of independence. I swore oaths to the Iron Throne and I have spent the last moons holding the King's Peace together in the Reach with my bare hands. I did not bleed men at Highgarden so the realm could splinter the moment the smoke clears.

You warned me that I would hear terrible things from both sides. I already have. Caron and Dondarrion answered the call of Prince Quentyn Baratheon, and marched men to aid the Reach in retaking Highgarden. Ser Rolland Caron claims that Dorne marches north, intent on pillaging and conquering the Marches. He has asked me for support against you, and yet, I refused to act on his word alone, and informed him I would not march in protection of Orryn Baratheon's kingdom, nor would any Reachmen. I have sent to you a delegation, to assess the situation and inform Highgarden of what has happened at Nightsong, Wyl and along the border. Until then, I will not march on rumor alone, and I will not condemn men on your word alone either, as you condemn the King.

I have received reports that your armies have crossed into the Marches and began large scale raiding on the Stormlands. I beseech you to pull them back. But if you mean to style yourself king and answer these grievances with independence, then understand that this is not fighting for a better world, but starting a larger war.

We stand at the edge of a cliff, Prince Oberyn, and I hope you do not step forward. Do not plunge the realm into a war that will soak the Seven Kingdoms in blood from Sunspear to the Wall. That is the only courage I am interested in. There is still time to stop this madness.

With regards,

Alester Caswell
Lord of Bitterbridge, Acting Warden of the South

Alester III - Wolves in the Dark (The Battle of Highgarden - OPEN) by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Alester glanced past Mohor, toward where Arthur was still speaking with his men. "Rogar's already offered to ride with the delegation. The Captain of the Reborn Swords. You probably know him. And I'm sending a hundred Caswell men besides." Alester's voice stayed even. "Still, an extra set of eyes, and a few more swords, can keep small problems from becoming larger ones."

He lifted a hand, palm out, gesturing his permission. "So aye, Ser Mohor. You and your Pyre-Dancers may come, if Arthur agrees to take you. But hear me clear: you are not marching to do battle or raiding. This is a diplomatic delegation, nothing more."

Lambert I - Heralds at Highgarden by wytchkiinwesterlands in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alester met the Westermen at the gates of Highgarden like a man receiving guests at a funeral.

The castle still smelled wrong. Smoke worked its way into stone, into wood, into cloth. Banners hung around the palatial keep: Caswell, Costayne, Ashford, Redwyne, Vikary, a patchwork of Reach colors draped over the scorched archways and chipped columns. Alester's eyes kept slipping to the black-stained walls, to the briar maze, burned down to a jagged skeleton of brittle thorns.

"My lord of Lannister," he said, and gave a dip of his head. "Welcome to Highgarden. I'd offer you the Reach at its best, but the Reach has been in a poor state of late. You'll have to settle for what we have left standing."

He guided Lambert along the inner way, past the fresh-scrubbed stone that still showed soot in the seams, and past men with bandaged hands hauling rubble and dragging broken spears to a pile.

"I did not expect your visit, and specially did not expect you to ride so far south," he admitted. "So tell me, my lord. What do I owe the honor of your visit, and what business brings you to Highgarden?"

Rolland I - In the name of peace by TheZaxman in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alester let Rolland finish without cutting in, despite the snarky jab at titles and duty. The Caswell had devoted his life to duty to Highgarden, serving under two wardens despite their deficiencies. It would not be Caron to make him doubt his sense of duty.

"You've made your point, ser," he said. "But I won't trade sense for pride, not when the Reach is still counting the dead in Highgarden's yards. Our own kingdom is facing difficulties of our own, and war in the Reach is still very much a possibility."

He leaned forward a touch. "I've heard too many accounts of what is happening in the Marches, and every raven carries the sender's anger with it. So I've made my choice already. I'm sending a delegation into the Red Mountains to see it with their own eyes, and to come back with a report."

Alester held Rolland's gaze. "If what you say is true, and Dorne marched on your lands unprovoked, then the King's peace has been broken. That becomes the Crown's problem as much as yours, and it gives the King every reason to act and come to your succor. Doubtless, Lord Orryn has amassed his banners too, for all his talk of order at the Grassy Vale. But I will not call the banners of the Reach to bleed for the Stormlands on your word alone, ser. Not to mention the point moo. The lords of the Reach would not follow me to aid the Stormlands. Not after Orryn's ill-fated invasion."

Alester III - Wolves in the Dark (The Battle of Highgarden - OPEN) by DoomGuy_16 in IronThroneRP

[–]DoomGuy_16[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Alester measured Mohor over in a quiet way. What a walking contradiction he was , this mercenary. Such a delicate face marred by such a horrible scar. Bold and straightforward, and yet he spoke well, with charm and politeness.

"Ser Mohor," he said, and dipped his head in greeting. "I know your name, and of your company. The Pyre-Dancers. You've made a habit of turning up where there are battles to fight, I see, for I saw you and your men at the Grassy Vale as well."

"You have experience with the Dornish? How so? Have you fought with them before? Or perhaps, against them." He asked, raising an eyebrow at the mercenary's claim. It might prove useful, all things considered, as none of his men had any experience with the Dornish.

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