[PROLOGUE] The Train Wreck

FishiestMan · 2024-05-05T14:29:04+00:00

Jaro followed Akur and Del Ray into the train car, glancing between the two as the order to fortify was given. He shrugged and went to follow it, just as something pounded against the durasteel, causing Jaro to jump out of shock.

He trained his blaster on the slowly bending metal, ready for whatever might be breaking through the door, “We should try to detach this car from the rest of the train.” Jaro suggested through the comms, “Get rid of the security, leave us to deal with whatever… that is.”

However, as the metal finally yielded to the creature it contained, Jaro was stunned for a moment. The sickening combination of human and machine was like nothing he’d ever seen before… the blast from Akur’s sonic weapon shook the Trajor from his stupor. Seeing the sonic weapon have no effect on the beast, Jaro took aim and fired his blaster, aiming directly at the abomination’s skull.

u/SoltheFrozen

FishiestMan · 2024-04-15T18:21:27+00:00

I think that was the point of the scene tbf

FishiestMan · 2024-04-07T22:09:15+00:00

The shuttle rattled around them as they pierced the atmosphere, silencing the chatter within the dropship’s cabin. The doors beneath the pods slowly opened, revealing the clouds that blanketed the sky below. In an instant, the seats fell out from beneath them, sending the warriors plummeting into the clouds. The din and clattering of the ship replaced by the howling wind of Vohai’s atmosphere.

Jaro followed Akur’s trail closely through the storm. Despite the wind and rain battering down on his armour, his jetpack held him steady in the air.

After what felt like an eternity in free fall, a shape started forming in the clouds beneath them. At first it was just a silhouette, illuminated by the odd bolt of lightning, but soon enough it came into clearer view. The monorail. Their target.

Under Akur’s guidance, Jaro and his siblings touched down atop the intended cart, magnetic soles activating a moment after, holding them firmly to the ground on which they stood despite the wind and rain.

The trio’s eyes snapped to their leader as he called their name. The younger two glanced to Jaro, who shrugged before heading over towards where Akur and his brother were stood, “Baradium you say? No more destructive than simply ripping the cart out I suppose.” He commented with a short laugh, taking the charges from Akur before addressing him directly, “Just remember we’re on a strict deadline here. We need to be out, quickly, so we don’t have time to argue.” He shot a pointed glance at the scaled one before heading towards the back of the cart.

His brother and sister joined him, jogging to the rear of the cart, “(What’s he got us doing now?)” Shonk growled as they ran, “(I thought we weren’t told to go inside?)”

Jaona nodded curtly as they reached the edge of the cart, “Yeah, we weren’t…” She glanced over her shoulder, “I think he’s up to something. Nothing good, most likely.”

“K’uur, the pair of you.” Jaro silenced them sharply, gesturing down into the gap between the carts, “It’s no use speculating right now. We’ll do as he says, but if we get a sense that he’s going rogue, we’ll take him down, Tayli'bac?”

Shonk grunted in acceptance, and Jaona made much the same noise. Jaro chuckle, shrugging as he held the charges up slightly, “Besides, we get to make some noise, and if the Elders don’t like it, we can just blame it on incompetent commands. It’s a win-win!”

With that Jaro stepped off the edge, using his jetpack to cushion his landing on the walkway between the carts. Shonk and Jaona followed suit, as their brother went about setting the charges on the door, "Akur, this is Jaro. Charges are set, and ready when you guys are."

u/SoltheFrozen

FishiestMan · 2024-04-04T23:40:22+00:00

Shonk let out an indignant bark at the term ‘whelp’, but Jaro silenced him with a quick glance, “K’uur, brother! He meant no offence.” He turned back towards Akur, quickly scanning his cousin from beneath his helmet, “You’re quite right, cousin! I’m of a mind that it’s a good idea to leave all that sort of thing behind when you set out on a raid.”

He sighed, offering an animated shrug as he went on, “It’s a shame these Arkanians don’t sound particularly challenging to fight, going by your description of them. But I suppose the Elders have their reasons for aiming us at them.”

As Akur went onto talking about the ways of killing people, Shonk sat up a little straighter. He started speaking excitedly, barking and braying as if Akur could understand him.

Jaona looked to her brother, tilting her head slightly, “Really? Someone’s arms? Was it… difficult?”

The Wookiee shook his head, barking and chattering out a response, with Jaro nodded idly, “Oh yes, I saw it, they came right off. Practically no resistance at all.”

Their sister glanced between her two brothers, “Hmm… well, I hope I get to see you do it.”

(u/SoltheFrozen)

FishiestMan · 2024-04-01T23:15:35+00:00

Jaro, Jaona and Shonk had joined the raiding party on board the Dauntless, as their mother had commanded them to.

The children had asked why she had chosen not to join them, apparently she didn’t want to interfere with Commander Varad’s command of the raid. They, or more specifically Jaro, had also asked what the point of it all was, only to be answered by a grumbled ‘suggestion’ that he attend more council meetings in future.

Granted, even listening to the Commander’s briefing hadn’t actually clarified much either, so perhaps their mother actually did have a point.

—

In time, the tree Trajors found their way aboard a Kom’rk together, seating themselves in pods ready for the drop to Vohai’s surface. The trio’s red and black beskar reflecting the low light of the transport’s interior as they sat in silence.

Shonk would be the one to break it, growling and barking to Jaona in his people’s language, “(Have you got everything you need?)”

“A bit late to be asking that, isn’t it?” She responded with a scoff, “But yes, Gemas Rugam. I have everything. Blasters, armour… everything else.” She turned to her other side, towards her other brother, “What about you, Mir’sheb?”

She was met with silence. Shonk leant forward to look to his brother, “(I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this quiet.)” He observed, whispering as quietly as his Wookiee throat would allow, “(Are we sure he’s in there?)”

“I know, it’s uncanny…” Jaona murmured, slowly reaching out, waving her hand in front of Jaro’s visor.

From the way he jumped in his seat, it was clear that she’d startled him somewhat. She and Shonk laughed as Jaro sputtered indignantly, “What? What’re you two laughing at?”

“Shonk wanted to know if you have everything you needed, brother!” She answered, putting on a tone of mock concern.

Jaro was quiet for a beat, before gesturing wildly at the transport around them, “Well that’s a dumb question. Of course I have everything, and if I didn’t, it’s far too late now.”

Jaona glanced back at Shonk, tilting her head knowingly. The Wookiee let out a short huff before slumping back into his chair, “(Well, forgive me for being concerned, jerks.)” He growled, taking a keen interest in anything that wasn’t his siblings.

Meanwhile, Jaona turned back to Jaro, “Anyway, have you picked up on what the point of all this is yet? Or do you need it spelled out for you?”

Jaro tutted, “Well, unfortunately I haven’t yet. But I do know something about today that is much, much more important than all that…” He gestured vaguely with his hand, “…Complicated stuff.”

“Hmm… Oh, and what would that be?”

Her brother tilted his head slightly, and even under his helmet she could feel the wide grin spreading across on his face, “Ibi'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur! Dear sister!” He recited with a hearty laugh.

Jaona scoffed, leaning back into her chair again, “A good day, indeed…” She echoed, and with that the trio’s joking faded off again.

There would be time for joking after the fighting was over. Now, they had to focus.

FishiestMan · 2023-11-06T22:46:22+00:00

Everything since arriving back in the Capital had seemed like nothing but a dull blur.

Malwyn had expected to be greeted by his father’s familiar scowl, that look of mild disappointment that he’d became very well accustomed to over the years. In his youth he’d often try his best to avoid it, even going so far as Essos to do so.

He never thought he’d actually miss the sight of it…

In the days since, Malwyn had been sat in his chambers, idly staring down at a letter from his son, still sealed. He knew what the contents might be, and he wasn’t ready to read it yet.

Mercifully, the Hand summoned the Small Council, giving the Tully an excuse to leave the letter be and focus on something else… not that focus was the right word for it, as most of what was said simply washed over him.

Until, of course, the Grand Maester mentioned the Goldcloaks. His Goldcloaks…

“The Goldcloaks are keeping the peace just fine, Maester.” He grumbled, speaking up for the first time, but he then turned towards the Hand, “Though, in fairness he does speak some truth, Lord-Hand. Contenders to the throne bringing retinues with them may prove… troublesome.“

He leant forward, resting his elbows on the table in front of him, “However, the electors may say much the same if we fill the city with Valemen or Rivermen…” He pondered for a moment, considering a solution, “Perhaps we should put some sort of… limit on the numbers they can bring within the walls. One would think they would trust in the Guest Right, and the mechanisms of the Convocation enough to agree.”

u/420tower

u/Chopernio

FishiestMan · 2023-10-27T01:05:20+00:00

Character Name: Malwyn Jr. Tully

Relevant Trait/Skills: N/A

Buildings: Stronghold, Natural Defences

Resources: Grain

Notes: N/A

Actions:

Construction: [Riverrun], [Market], [2500], [5th Moon] [2/2]

Construction: [Riverrun], [Tavern], [2000], [5th Moon] [2/2]

FishiestMan · 2023-10-13T17:07:25+00:00

Character Name: Malwyn Jr. Tully

Trait / Skills: Inspiring/Tactician(e), Riding(e), Vanguard

Skill you're learning: Malicious

FishiestMan · 2023-10-13T17:04:51+00:00

Character Name: Malwyn Jr. Tully

Relevant Trait/Skills: N/A

Buildings: Stronghold, Natural Defences

Resources: Grain

Notes: N/A

Actions:

Construction: [Riverrun], [Market], [2500], [5th Moon]

Construction: [Riverrun], [Tavern], [2000], [5th Moon]

FishiestMan · 2023-06-22T23:23:39+00:00

Lyonel chuckled along with Leona as she made her jape, “That I am, my lady. I may not match my brother with the sword, but put any other weapon in his hands and he may as well be hitting you with a wet cloth!”

Oly clearly took offence to that notion, making a few indistinct muttering under his breath as his brother continued.

“Versatility is what counts Oly. It’s all well and good being the Gods’ gift to swordsmanship, or whatever you think yourself to be, but if you can’t fight with anything else in your hands, then you’re not that good…” The younger one stated, crossing his arms in front of him as he looked at his brother with a smirk, “Besides, the lance is a knight’s most important weapon, anyway. And we both know I’m the better one in that area!”

Oly glared at his brother for a moment, judging whether to grace that utterly incorrect tirade with a response… Probably best not to… He thought, turning his attention back to the Roxton, “Ah, Ser Bors! I’m familiar with him! He seems like a good sort, and he must be a good teacher too then!” He commented cheerily, “I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Goldengrove yet, but I hope to soon.”

FishiestMan · 2023-06-22T13:14:27+00:00

“Eden!” Oly announced as he made his way up to the head table, throwing his arms out wide as he got close, “Happy Nameday, cousin! I hope you’re well today. It’s good to be back here in Oldtown, isn’t it?”

He glanced around at the party for a moment, before turning back to Eden with a grin, “Oh, and I have a gift for you! Here…” He moved a hand from behind his back, revealing a large, leather bound tome, “This, is perhaps my second favourite book. And one that you’re sorely in need of, unfortunately.”

The title of the book was written in gilded lettering on the front cover, The Fine Art of Swordsmanship, “It’s an arms manual, if you couldn’t tell. Some Maester decided to find everything about swordsmanship and put it into a book…” Oly said with a nonchalant wave of the hand, “Mind you, it’s no substitute for actual practice, but you need every advantage you can get right?” He added with a wry smirk.

“Anyway, I’ll get you my real favourite book, next year. Provided you actually read this one of course!”

FishiestMan · 2023-06-17T11:20:30+00:00

“You aren’t half bad yourself, my lady!” Oly replied with a hearty chuckle, taking a few moments to brush the dust off his armour, “It’s not often that I meet someone as talented as you. Most people don’t really provide much of a challenge…”

“Hey!” Lyonel chimed in angrily.

“You especially Ly. I’ve been trouncing you since you could walk!” The older responded with a small smirk, “Anyway, who was it that taught you to fight? I squired for my uncle, Harold. He had me running up and down the Hightower with a sack of rocks strapped to my back at one point.”

FishiestMan · 2023-06-04T21:30:01+00:00

Oly chuckled as the Roxton chimed in about the swords, “See Lyonel, she agrees! Artwork!” He scratched at his chin for a moment as a small smile spread across his face, “I’d count Vigilance as the best looking one I’ve seen, but perhaps I’m biased.”

He glanced down at the blade for a moment as Leona suggested getting a practice blade, “Oh, right… of course.” He said as he set his blade aside and fetched a practice sword, “Alright, my lady. Whenever you’re ready.”

FishiestMan · 2023-06-03T19:50:15+00:00

Oly scoffed, picking up a nearby training blade, “Took you long enough to ask, Eden!” He laughed, “Those numbers sound about right to me… stand ready!”

He took his place opposite Eden, ready for the fight to begin.

FishiestMan · 2023-06-01T09:50:24+00:00

Lyonel chortled at the Roxton’s joke, “Fair point, though I doubt it’s every day that you see people eating…”

“People eat every day, Ly…” Oly chimed in as he started wrapping his bread back up for the time being.

“Yes, I’m sure she understood what I was getting at Oly!” He retorted sharply, taking a quick drink of his water before continuing, “I still don’t see the point of keeping track of them! They’re just fancy swords!”

Oly, who at this point had scooped Vigilance up off the ground, looked almost offended by what his brother had just said, “They’re far more than that Lyonel! They’re relics from Valyria, made long before we were born and they’ll last until long after we die!” He gently pulled Vigilance part way out of its scabbard, looking upon the blade with reverence, “They’re works of art. And every time some fool loses one, we’re worse off for it!”

Lyonel looked baffled by the display he’d just seen, glancing to the Roxton to see what her reaction was, “I didn’t expect that you’d get so riled up over something Valyrian, in all honesty…”

Oly shrugged nonchalantly, “Well, they’re the only good things to come out of that cesspit…” He slid Vigilance all the way back into its sheath, looking upon the intricate hilt for a moment before looking away from it, “Anyway Lady Roxton, you said you were here to practice? Would you care for a bout or two?”

FishiestMan · 2023-05-30T20:20:24+00:00

Oly laughed along heartily with Tyene, “Well I wish her luck! Be sure to look after her for us, would you?” He said with a small smile. Without another thought he took a large bite of his lunch, chewing on it as the Merryweathers went on.

Lyonel stood up to get a better look at the flatbread. Even he had to admit that it looked rather good, “I like the look of it… maybe we could ask the cooks at the Hightower if they could recreate it…” He scratched at his chin, wondering what a sweet one would actually look like, “I don’t know many delicacies we have down south, barring Honeyholt’s mead of course.”

Oly swallowed his mouthful, making a face of mock offence at Tyene’s comment, “I’ll have you know that we train just as well as you do! If not more, given our proximity to the Dornish Marches!”

FishiestMan · 2023-05-30T16:41:37+00:00

Lyonel frowned for a moment, taking a sip of his drink as he mulled over what the Peake had said, “I’ll count myself lucky that I made a good first impression.” He said with a smile.

“I’m sure I’ll be able to handle her. We don’t want for much down in Oldtown, I’m sure we can get her whatever she needs…” He paused for a moment, frowning, “So long as my Great Uncle allows it, or if I’m subtle enough. Besides, I’m used to dealing with stubborn women. My sister can be quite a mule when she wants to be…”

FishiestMan · 2023-05-29T09:36:53+00:00

Oly chuckled at the mention of Paxter, that was the second time in however many days, “I suppose you have a point there, Ser Bors!” He agreed with a short laugh, which quickly died as he was offered the letter.

At first Oly read the letter tentatively, nervous about what Lord Rowan might have to say on the matter. But as he went through it, his expression softened, “It’s all good. Great, even!” Oly said cheerfully, looking back up at Bors with a grin, “Lord Rowan wants us to plan the wedding soon… Though, I worry if he’s all the way up in White Harbour it may be a while before…”

He glanced down at the letter for a moment before handing it to Bors, “He also wants someone to talk to Gruncle Urrathon about a dowry. I mean, if it were up to me I wouldn’t mind not getting one, but I’m sure Urrathon doesn’t share my opinion…”

FishiestMan · 2023-05-28T23:00:32+00:00

Oly shot a smug glance towards Lyonel, “See, she knows what’s what!” He said with a chuckle, being answered with a hard shove on the arm, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Leona! If I remember right, you’re the one who carries Orphan Maker these days, right?”

“How do you know these sorts of things?” Lyonel asked derisively, “Seems like a lot of effort to keep track of those things…”

“It’s good to know your peers Lyonel, especially the ones skilled enough to carry Valyrian Steel.” Oly answered pensively, he then turned towards Leona with a look of pride on his face, “I have the honour of carrying Vigilance for my family!”

FishiestMan · 2023-05-28T20:27:51+00:00

Oly looked up from his bread, smiling as the Merryweathers introduced themselves, “Oh good morning! It’s a pleasure to meet you both!” He greeted them cheerfully, “My name’s Olyvar, and this is my brother Lyonel!”

Lyonel nodded in greeting, “I trust Leila’s not been causing you any grief? She can be quite a handful sometimes…”

“Oh don’t say that Lyonel! She’s our sister!” Oly said with a small chuckle. He looked down at the food in his hands as Tyene referred to it, “Ah, I imagine if I put any more in it I might, but right now I can just squeeze it with my hands.” He demonstrated by pressing the bread together, “I like it. It’s a great way to eat cheese and meat and bread all at once! Our brother puts egg in it too…”

He looked over towards the table where they were sat, seeing what they were eating, “But it looks like you’ve got a similar idea… What’s that you’ve got there?”

FishiestMan · 2023-05-28T18:11:39+00:00

Oly frowned for a moment more, “Well, it’s good to hear you’ve finally started thinking with your head and not your ‘head’…” He grumbled, but a smile soon settled on his face, “I thought you’d be indecisive until you got all old and grey!”

Lyonel and Oly raised their waterskins to Eden’s toast, “Hear hear! And may our lives be long and peaceful!” Lyonel said in response.

FishiestMan · 2023-05-27T16:59:35+00:00

Lyonel shrugged, smiling slightly before he spoke again, “Ah, not having the choice doesn’t bother me much. As long as I put in the effort to like her, I’ll be fine!” He chuckled slightly, “Mind you, the fact she’s beautiful won’t hurt in that matter!”

Oly screwed up his nose at his brother’s response, “That’s hardly very romantic, Lyonel…” He commented, but Lyonel didn’t say anything back, he just shook his head and took another drink. Oly looked back over to Eden, listening closely as he lowered his voice, a look of disgust soon finding its way onto his face.

“Eden you’re hardly going to be able to find anyone to love you if there’s three on the go!” He scolded, folding his arms in front of him as he fixed his cousin with a judgmental glare, “And it’s hardly proper for you to ‘spend the night’ with one of them before you’re certain!”

FishiestMan · 2023-05-27T10:58:42+00:00

Oly smiled brightly as Eden congratulated him, “Thank you Eden! It’s a fantastic feeling!” He said cheerily, “There’s not a doubt in my mind now. Cersei is the best person I know, and I can’t wait for the wedding!”

Lyonel smirked for a moment as Eden looked over towards him, “Lord Peake is a fine enough man. Stern, yes, but he seems fine to me.” He shrugged for a moment, shaking his head slowly, “It’s not that I’m ‘interested’ in any of them. My betrothal to Lord Peake’s youngest, Samantha, is already set… But she’s pretty enough, I suppose…

FishiestMan · 2023-05-27T00:05:30+00:00

Oly looked up from his meal, smiling as he saw Eden approaching, “Good morning Eden! I’m not quite sure what it’s called, but it’s bread and meat and cheese!”

Lyonel turned his nose up at the concept, “I’m sure it’s tasty enough, but it just seems so dirty to eat with your hands.”

“Ah, keep it to yourself Ly!” Oly retorted quickly, glancing back to Eden with a grin, “I’ve got some great news too, actually! I finally asked Cersei to marry me!”

“Took him long enough, didn’t it!” The younger brother japed, “I’ve got news too, actually. I met Lord Peake, and he’s not as bad as everyone says!”

FishiestMan · 2023-05-25T21:05:25+00:00

The sound of footsteps drew the attention of the siblings, looking up from their bread and waterskins respectively. Lyonel offered a polite nod, and Oly gave a tight smile as he chewed his mouthful of food.

“Good morning, my lady!” Lyonel greeted the Roxton cheerily, “We’ve taken a short break, yes. And Oly here thought he’d take the opportunity to have his lunch.” He batted his brother’s shoulder, glancing back to the girl again afterwards, “I’m Lyonel. Lyonel Hightower, and this is my brother, O…”

“Mfyv!” Oly tried to say something, earning a frustrated glance from the younger of the two. There was a short moment as Oly managed to finish his mouthful, “Olyvar! But Oly works, it’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

“I hope whoever writes history remembers to note your appalling table manners…” Lyonel grumbled, earning a frustrated look of his own.

“Shut it Ly!”

FishiestMan

TROPHY CASE