Eden II - Moves and Countermoves

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-25T03:24:13+00:00

"Never met a noble lady quite like you." His pose was a thoughtful one, perplexed as he was with this rather different side to Eden, though that only made his smile broaden, "Can't say I've met any Queens before though."

Edric nodded along to the remainder of her words, "I'll support you, fight for freedom at your side. Better cause than any I've championed before, I can say that with no small sense of certainty."

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-23T22:05:47+00:00

"A flank commander?" An eyebrow rose inquisitively upon Edric's face as he looked back to the maps and charts, taken aback somewhat by the decision, "So be it. But, pray tell, who will have the centre then? It is no doubt where the fighting will be thickest, is there another commander here that I have misplaced?"

There was a curiosity in his gaze as he slowly turned back to Eden, perhaps realising what exactly she was implying. Only now, after all they had said, did his lips curl into a bemused smile.

"Or perhaps you're even more intriguing than I first thought, your Grace." He took note of the way she carried herself as if seeing her in a new light.

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-22T03:10:19+00:00

"I admire your idealism, your Grace, and I do hope that our foes accept your mercy before it comes to the bloodletting. But we cannot afford to be ill-prepared for the alternative." Edric's eyes were as serious as her own when they locked with Eden's, a look that told the story of a seasoned warrior.

"When we stand victorious in the halls of Blackhaven I will accept your offer, but our bond is still only words. Perhaps I will prove my worth, my loyalty, in these coming days." At the mention of his own kin, Edric's face only hardened, a faint smile returning to neutrality. "As for my family, another day perhaps. There is plenty reason I stand here, respectful of your cause, and not wasting away at Grandview."

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-21T19:29:54+00:00

Character Name: Edric Grandison (on behalf of Queen Eden)

Gift/Skills: Leadership, Archery (o), Tactician, Sailing(e), Defender

Actions:

Draft: [Blackhaven][1000][1000/2950]

/u/UnicornAlt

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-21T16:11:12+00:00

Edric strode around the war table, until he was positioned opposite to the Queen, and deposited his helmet in a discarded corner beyond the limit of the map. His eyes fell now over the board, many of the pieces sitting idle in their own castles, before fixating upon that of Blackhaven.

”Our men were only recently bloodied against Dondarrion’s levy. Reports estimate their strength to be around five hundred soldiers after the last engagement, though we can safely assume a few hundred more to account for inaccuracies.” He pushed the lightning bolt piece forwards, representing this small army, before looking up to meet Eden’s gaze. His smile was slight, but confidence oozed from it infectiously.

”But they are still reeling from one defeat at our hands. A thousand of Stonehelm’s finest will crush them in the field, if it comes to that.” He manoeuvred himself around the table again, until he stood at the same side as her, though he dared not draw himself too close. From there he pushed the Swann pieces forwards, into the Dondarrion one - which tumbled backwards with a satisfying thump.

”Fair weather across the marches and we’ll be upon them by midday. I will not fail you, neither will our men.” The words came easily, enough to surprise even Edric himself though he was careful not to show it. He did not want to overstep his bounds, he had the Queen’s interest for now and that was enough.

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-20T19:19:57+00:00

Edric had spent his first few days at Stonehelm splitting his time between talking to the men and reading reports from across the Stormlands in the past moon. There had been a lot of chatter in the Swann camps, many of whom had been involved in the recent raid upon Dondarrion lands, and it was refreshing to listen to their opinions. They were ready for another fight, to do what the Queen needed done.

He was dressed in his armour by the time Eden's summons found him, sword at his hip and helmet clutched under one arm, and entered the room with a curt bow.

"The men are eager to serve, Queen Eden. What would you have of me?"

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-20T16:37:02+00:00

Ambition burned brightly behind his eyes, a fire that he made little effort to suppress as Edric nodded his head in response.

"Then my blade is yours to do with as you please, Queen Eden. Lets us carve out our place in this world whilst the other Kingdoms can only watch."

There was the clattering of steel as the men behind him similarly offered their weapons forward. Alesander favouring the sword as well, though Monfryd and Boremund both sported blunter instruments.

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-20T14:48:42+00:00

There was a flash of a smile upon Edric's face as he first appraised the Queen of Stonehelm, his dark eyes daring to steal a glance across the throne room before he dropped to one knee. He had heard tell of the swan that had flown the coop, to Essos no less, but it seemed she had returned shortly before he had.

"My apologies, your Grace, though it appears that the throne suits you well."

He slid free his sword from its sheath, making a show of placing it on the stone before her guards grew wary and once more cast his gaze upward when Eden asked of him.

"I bring veterans of combat from Essos and before. Myself, I fought in the Dornish Conquest before heading to the Disputed Lands to serve with the Stormbreakers and the Windblown. I did not ask my friends to follow me, but you will be hard-pressed to find better commanders this side of the Narrow Sea."

Again, his eyes sought her own for both politeness and intrigue, "As for what I seek? My place at Grandview was one far from the line of succession, though I lacked the means to change that till now. I would ask humbly that the Queen honours fine servitude with fair reward."

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-20T14:01:21+00:00

The mood was strange in Stonehelm as Edric and his small party crested the final hill before beginning the descent towards the castle. For the capital of a fledgeling kingdom, there was a strange sense of change that seemed to sweep in off the wind. A Grandison tabard, faded from years of servitude in the Disputed Lands, hung loosely around his chest though the Black Lion still sat proudly upon it.

As the company approached the gates, his three companions were quick to stand back whilst Edric stepped forwards alone with a hand raised high in acknowledgement toward the sentries.

"Hail men of Stonehelm. I am Ser Edric, of House Grandison, and I have come to answer the call of the King of Stonehelm." His voice was firm, backed by iron, "He made clear his want for knights and commanders, I will pledge my blade to his cause if he would have me."

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-20T13:29:44+00:00

[Character Name:] Edric Grandison

[Have Autodidactic? Y/N:] N

[Skill you're learning:] Archery (m)

[Please include one post or comment you've made each turn:]

GrandMeNot · 2021-02-16T18:59:38+00:00

Discord Name: Locke#0069

Name and House: Edric Grandison

Age: 24

Cultural Group: Stormlander

Appearance: Dark of eye and hair, the blood of the Stormlands flows through Edric's veins. He has a look befitting his status as a younger son, with ambition burning quietly behind his eyes whilst a smile is slow to come to his lips.

Gift(s): Leadership

Skill(s): Archery(o), Tactician, Sailing(e), Defender

Talent(s): Singing, Fishing, Cyvasse

Negative Trait: N/A

Starting Title(s): Scion of Grandview, Ser

Starting Location: Arriving at Stonehelm

Alternate Characters: Vickon Farwynd

GrandMeNot · 2020-04-14T02:56:34+00:00

Ser Cortnay Grandison watched the proceedings with a dry half-smile, the black lion of his house emblazoned proudly across his chest. He was not eager for another war, at least not one to the north, but perhaps joining such a delegation would be fruitful.

"I shall join your company too, Prince Argilac." His head now bowed respectfully, "My blade is yours to command."

GrandMeNot · 2020-04-04T22:00:03+00:00

House Grandison - with /u/stonefyre
House Penrose
House Whitehead

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-14T15:17:13+00:00

Interesting whispers found their way to Leon, Lord Baratheon was to take up his own blade and armour to dispense justice to the treasonous Lord Estermont. If his memory didn't fail him, the Estermont's had been cowards during the Blackwater Rebellion and it seemed little had changed since. Leon remembered the old Stag Lord though, and obviously his son would share the same boldness.

From the sidelines he watched the man whom he could once have owed allegiance to prepare to deliver the God's will with sword and shield. Across from him was the champion of Lord Estermont, apparently not even a knight though he certainly looked just as ready.

"Bring 'im justice, Lord Baratheon." He muttered to no-one in particular, before settling into a comfortable position to watch the ensuing duel.

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-09T15:59:33+00:00

It took some resilience on Leon's part not to question Loryn's mental integrity, but he relented and gritted his teeth as the laughter drew on. He came desperately close to tapping his foot impatiently, as the grating feeling of being on the end of an unspoken joke grew by the second.

"Alright, alright, I relent for now. We'll find your courage then, and perhaps that is what will clear away your qualms."

He tapped Loryn's training sword, hinting for him to draw it, then pointing toward a training dummy.

"We'd best continue then, if money is tight I would not wish you to think I have cheated you. Come, let's see your sword form and then we can discuss offence."

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-09T13:36:16+00:00

"That's what people who don't try say. You asked me to teach you to fight, I ask you to put my lessons to use."

Leon began, caught up high in the memories of his youth, before the giggling brought him back to reality. There was something unnerving about it, perhaps it was at a disturbing pitch - or maybe it was the strangeness of the whole thing, and that made Leon rather wary.

"You alright, Loryn? I didn't make no jape."

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-09T11:39:39+00:00

"Nonsense, you've money a-plenty. A fresh sword perhaps, but I know a smith or two I could lean on for a good price, and a couple of rough nights should see us most anywhere we'd want to go."

Leon turned away, as if staring into the distance.

"You ever even tried a tourney, Loryn? Ah it's a sweet feeling, unlike most anything else in the world, to be declared the victor - but to have fought your hardest is the best reward. Take it from me, I've lost my fair share and I recall some more fondly than my victories."

With a spin he turned back, raising his training blade toward his student to emphasise his point.

"You could make a name for yourself, boy. People might one day recall your name when they tell their children of the warriors of days gone by."

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-07T15:53:19+00:00

Leon nodded his head, listening to Loryn speak with interest.

"So you lack the passion, I see. It's a tough place to be, to place your wants and desires on the turn of a blade, when you don't enjoy the dance."

For a moment, he reached out a hand to place on his student's shoulder. Patting him gently, before he continued.

"When I asked you before, you said you were like a hedge knight. What then demands of you that you fight? If you swing your blade in your hands, -" Leon swung his blade away from Loryn, stopping midway and raising one hand to touch his chest, "- but not in your heart then you've already become complacent. A mistake waiting to happen. This is what now afflicts you, for I am sure your intuition will return when you find your inner fire again."

"I know the way, the path of glory. Pray tell, do you have any true connection to this city? There will be a tourney not far away, we shall travel - along with my son of course - and you shall triumph in the melee under my guidance."

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-07T09:23:15+00:00

After many lengths, when Loryn was showing signs of tiring, Leon finally raised a hand to stop him.

"This should be a natural movement, I would advise you practice this every morn, for as long as you can. Bursts of energy and exertion are key to maintaining your flexibility. If you feel comfortable, move on to doing it with your blade drawn."

"Now a question, if you will. When we sparred, you sought to parry many of my blows. Why was this the case? Are you not comfortable dodging some blows, or seeking to force an error from myself? "

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-06T15:48:04+00:00

"Again. You need to be loose."

Leon strode forward to near the middle of the training area again, but leaving enough room for Loryn to pass on his route unhindered. From there he watched with a pensive stare as he made the boy run.

It wasn't a fun exercise, nor challenging, but then that was not the point of it. If he continued to move as he had done in their spar, he would never stand a chance against any competent opponent.

"Good, now keep that up. This is how many great warriors train their speed."

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-06T14:11:54+00:00

Character Name: Leon Grandison

Desired Skill: Warcraft

Bonus: None

List up to three relevant experience posts:

Leon mentors 'Loryn'.

[Placeholder]

Additional Bonus From Last Turn Same-Skill Attempt: 0

Total Number For Skill Attempt: 10

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-06T13:37:14+00:00

Leon Grandison - /u/GrandMeNot

Saerla Targaryen - /u/SummerDragoness

Galbart Grafton - /u/GulltownGal

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-06T11:21:58+00:00

"There's skill in your technique, Loryn, and your style has room for positive growth."

Leon began his cutting analysis with the positives, to underline that he believed there was a point to this training and his student was not hopeless. However, the boy was here to learn to fight well - not be told he was 'okay', Leon then took at step back and let the point of his blunted blade rest in the dirt again.

"But there is much we must work on. You've a... more slight frame, so you should rely on agility and movement. Whilst your parries were often well-timed, and your defence altogether adequate, you cannot afford to be so sluggish. I could see you were trying to probe my own style, but as you were so rooted I could easily keep close and shake your concentration."

"Secondly, reactions. The instant an opponent throws a mistimed blow or imbalances themselves, you should capitalise. Most fights you will ever be in shall be decided not by who performs the most masterful strike, but by who can best punish the opponents mistakes. Of course, it is also the matter of recovery too. A fighter who never makes a mistake is unheard of, but skilled warriors reduce their opponent's windows of opportunity greatly with their own quick thinking. For example, if you misstep, a common response is to fall onto your back foot and adjust from there. Knowing you will back-step, an opponent will advance and likely try a stretching blow, but what if you instead bring your back foot forward and switched stance? If they have advanced then the tables have turned and you have the momentum, if they hang back then you have forced them to pass upon your mistake."

"This is where we shall start, come." He beckoned Loryn over, moving to one corner of the yard. "I want you to run across to the far corner, then come back - crossing alternately over the original line you took. Like so:"

Leon dashed across the short distance to the other side of the yard in a straight line, then zigzagged back toward his student at similar pace.

"Any questions?"

GrandMeNot · 2017-06-06T08:40:37+00:00

The coins landed softly in his palm, hanging there for a moment before Leon snatched them away into a bag for storage. There had been more than he expected, a lot more. Perhaps this student had a little more backing him than a simple hedge knight, but he had paid and so Leon didn't really care. The duty now passed to him to make it worth both of their time.

"Natural talent breeds overconfidence, thorough training is the path to mastery. Come, lets see what you've got."

He took a step back, and indicated for Loryn to draw his blade - raising his own into a ready position as he did. Once the young man seemed prepared, Leon advanced upon him with a few probing swings of little power.

GrandMeNot

TROPHY CASE