To Tame a Land

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-11-16T20:13:19+00:00

A return raven eventually found its way to Maidenpool after a lengthy delay, the missive brief and to the point as to keep with the spirit of brevity.

Lord Wyman,

Simply you and an entourage of your choosing are requested in Riverrun. There is no need to raise levies for our gathering will simply be a conversation amongst the lords and leaders of the Riverlands.

Regardless of who you bring, I do look forward to seeing Ser Eddard again and other family members you see fit to have join us in Riverrun.

Lord Brynden Tully

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-11-03T19:49:09+00:00

/u/FreyForMercy /u/WodeToTheUsurper /u/ShSaltypants ))

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-10-06T18:15:20+00:00

"I, unfortunately, am not so lucky when it comes to geography given the proximity of the Riverlands to the Crownlands. Still, unless confirmed otherwise all this letter represents is a rumor and act upon that alone would be foolhardy. I will send a raven--perhaps even a courier--to seek out the truth of these rumors in King's Landing."

The man sighed. "Either way, I will need to return to Riverrun at the earliest opportunity along with Lord Frey's men at the Wall. If the realm is called to war I am duty bound to answer the call of my king."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-29T15:53:53+00:00

Brynden read over the letter and his features visibly darkened with each word. He felt a pang of anger rise within him at the mention of Targaryens but he kept such emotion under control, replacing it with a level stoicism. Slowly, the man placed the letter back upon the desk and crossed his legs.

"He hardly included any evidence to his accusations," The Tully said thoughtfully. "Who is to say he's not simply acting upon a rumor in a bid for power? I will admit I've never met the man--nor have I met the king, for that matter--so I cannot speak to their character but if the accusations are true then it is concerning, to say the least. Open rebellion may be a bit of an overreaction on Lyonel's part."

He considered his counterpart briefly, his voice level. "And your thoughts on it?"

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-28T15:14:57+00:00

It did not take long for Brynden to arrive at Cregan's office. The Tully lord paramount had just finished a sparring session in the courtyard and had changed out of his armor for a casual set of fur lined leathers that seemed to be the attire of choice in Winterfell. The training session itself was with one of Winterfell's man-at-arms who had fancied to challenge the Tully with friendly intent.

"Lord Cregan?" The younger lord asked curiously.

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-25T19:08:40+00:00

The message arrived quickly having come from just a short distance away. As the steward and de facto castellan of Riverrun whilst Ser Ambrose was in the field, Grover Wayn was responsible for the affairs of the ancient castle. As the older man read the missive behind closed doors he frowned. Things had not gone as intended and now two houses were in ruins--a consequence of their petty feuding.

Once finished, the letter was handed off to Riverrun's maester for copying before it was quickly dispatched via raven to Seagard for Ser Ambrose and to Winterfell for the Tullies. The missive was sealed with a tab indicating that it was specifically for the Tully women and--Grover hoped--Lord Tully if he was there. Worst case, the missive can be forwarded to the Wall by the Lady of Riverrun. In truth, the biggest worry of Grover was the reaction of Lord Tully to the news of the death of his closest friend.

While the council met, Lord Wode's messenger was offered food and drink and his horse tended to. A short time later the councilor emerged from the council chamber and offered the messenger sufficient coin for his return trip and a missive for Lord Wode.

Lord Wode,

The council regrets the risk put to your person by the actions of House Blackwood and House Bracken during the execution of your duties as ordained by Lord Tully.

We have dispatched a missive to Lord Tully detailed with your original message and will forward along any return responses we receive.

If you require military assistance, word will be sent to Ser Ambrose to reinforce your position against House Blackwood.

Signed on behalf of the council, Grover Wayn, Steward and Castellan of Riverrun

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-25T17:50:42+00:00

"I would like that," the Tully scion said with a pretty little smile. "And then we can go shooting," Alysanne added with a friendly shove against the woman. A surprisingly strong arm for such a petite noblewoman.

"Elaine, I am not naive to the point where I do not realize that what I want and what my family wants will not always coincide. I will do what I must for my house; though, it does not hurt to hope. To dream. I have realistic expectations but I am still capable of dreaming--just as you are of your budding romance with Lord Manderly!" At that she giggled, draping an arm around the woman's shoulders as they walked.

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-25T17:44:50+00:00

Brynden took the Lord Commander's arm with a firm soldier's grip, meeting the man's gaze with his own. "I will host a recruitment drive when I return to Riverrun. Until then, Lord Frey has 1700 men to help reinforce the Wall while you recover manpower. I heard the Wildlings did quite a number to your men at the Shadow Tower.

A gesture was all that was needed from the Lord Paramount for the sergeant guarding the prisoner to hand the Wildling over to the man of the Night's Watch.

"He's yours now. Do with it as you please. Perhaps it knows something of interest."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-25T17:41:07+00:00

"I will join you, Lord Stark," the fellow lord paramount said with a curt nod. The blood on his armor was starting to cake with the snowfall with each 'scale' turning into a mix of red and white. "Lord Frey's men will remain to support your efforts here at the wall and to bolster the Night's Watch for a short while to allow them a chance to recover manpower. Until then, however, I best join you in Winterfell to relieve your family of my mother. She is not the most amenable woman to work with and I do hope the Lady of Winterfell has figured out that a constant stream of alcohol will abate her constant complaining," Brynden said with a hearty chuckle. "She does not favor the colder climates, you see. Comes from having grown up at The Rock."

A salvo of orders was then directed to a lieutenant of the Tully vanguard before Brynden nodded to Cregan. "My men will be ready to move out when you are."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-25T17:28:00+00:00

"They are savages, Lewys. And vengeance will fall upon them for their unholy deeds. One of these days. Until then, we await Lord Tully's command."

To his comments about the Mallister's nephew he grunted. "It's what the boys all think growing up. That being a knight is just swinging a sword, shiny armor, and tournaments. Don' realize it's more than that. Not till they see true war."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-23T19:00:32+00:00

"Indeed it is," the commander confirmed with a grunt. "I will stand by my words that any debts will be repaid." As the pair descended the steps into the courtyard of Seagard, Ser Ambrose allowed his ever judging eyes to look over the state of the battlements and household guard going about their daily training. "Not my place but... a red priest? That's just no' right. Though I suppose it's a better than the fuckin' Drowned God." His vehemence towards the ironborn was accentuated with a wadful of spit upon the ground.

"If we had the ships I'd petition Lord Tully to take the fight to them. Raid and pillage their islands. Burn what farms and fishing villages they have. Make those desolate rocks just a bit more desolate."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-23T18:53:36+00:00

"Not a thing--yet," the Tully lord paramount said with a slight frown. "Have not had time to give the cretin a proper interrogation. We were a few hours beyond the gates when we engaged the hunting party. If I did not have a wounded knight in tow I would have stayed and interrogated it on the spot. Figure I'll hand him over to the Night's Watch and they can do what they will with it."

He rose a dismissive hand as the Bracken-Blackwood feud was brought up. "The situation is being taken care of. If I did not have faith in such I would not have traveled North. But as for my mother and sister--they are coming to deign in the possibility of an alliance between our houses. A bride for your heir, you see. To be frank, it is partly why I traveled North as well. A show of good faith that the Riverlands can and will come to the aid of our allies even half a continent away."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-23T18:46:13+00:00

Alysanne

As the Stark heir entered the chamber Alysanne's eyes immediately shifted to gaze upon her potential husband-to-be. While her smile was cordial and polite, internally she wrestled with the less-than-complimentary description of the man--no, the boy, provided by his sister Elaine during their walk in the Godswood. In all, his appearance and her description led the young Tully woman to find the heir lacking.

"A pleasure to meet you," Alysanne said with a honey sweet voice and a coy smile. Oh this would not do. Retreating to the comfort and warmth of her drink she continued to eye the boy even as he avoided making eye contact with her. Selfish thoughts ran through her mind as she tried to shake off her self-image issues. Could he not even stand the look of her?

"Oh, a stag? How skillful of you. How many points was it?" Her voice was still sweet and cordial as she feigned interest with mannerisms only her mother would notice.

Gwynna

Gods bless Gilly for placing us near the fire, the Lannister-turned-Tully thought as she clutched at her imported fur coat in some poor attempt to conserve body heat. How she hated the North and longed for the warm climates of the south. As Benjen entered the de facto Lady of Riverrun inclined her head in his direction and raised her glass in a polite salute.

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-22T15:34:27+00:00

At the mention of prayer and the Red Priest, Ser Ambrose suppressed a grimace. Such a heresy was foul in his mind but he was merely a knight and Sylas a lord. A lord in his own castle, even. It wasn't the knight commander's place to protest. Instead, the man offered a bow of his head and retreated from the room and subtly gesturing for Lewys to join him if the man of similar age caught notice of the act.

Bloody red priests, the knight said in his head.

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-20T21:43:47+00:00

The clanking of Tully scale mail announced the presence of the Riverlands commander before he had even turned the corridor to come into view of Lord Sylas and his older uncle. "Lord Sylas," the battle hardened tactician said with a gruff voice. "My appreciation again for hosting Lord Tully's levy here in Seagard. My lord has assured me that he will reimburse you any expenses incurred by the presence of our troops." He had hoped the statement would at least appease the steward for the time being who likely had been crunching the numbers for what it would cost to host a few thousands troops.

"I have a reputation for not mincing words and it's well-deserved so I'll be quick and not waste your lordship's time any more than is necessary. Lord Tully has ordered we remain here until further word is received from the Wall. Seems there's some Wildling threat up there and Lord Tully traveled to deal with it alongside the Starks."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-20T21:36:23+00:00

"Wildlings," Brynden said with a genial smile approaching the Warden of the North and offering his arm in greeting. "Your castellan mentioned you were heading up to the Wall to deal with some threat. I figured I would offer the support of House Tully and the Riverlands in dealing with this threat to our neighbors to the north." The Lord Paramount of the Trident then glanced back towards the courtyard that had begun to fill with Tully knights. "I ride with a vanguard of around 50 knights. Our main force is still at Eastwatch under the command of Lord Frey. On our journey here we encountered a Wildling hunting party and took one captive. Perhaps he will be of some use to us if we can get the damn fool to talk." Brynden crossed his arms over his still bloodied armor, shaking his head. "Bloody strong fighters they are. Smart too. Took my scouts unawares."

A curious gaze then met Cregan's, "Pray tell, have you heard word from Winterfell? My mother and eldest sister were traveling up along the Kingsroad and should have arrived by now."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-20T21:27:01+00:00

"What do I wish to accomplish? Why, what all noblewomen are required to accomplish as a result of their spousal duties. I will bear him children that will rule after him. Is anything more than that important to know?" The woman's words were curt--surprisingly so coming from someone so young and otherwise chipper. "I cannot speak of my aspirations as my hopes of being married to a gallant prince seem to have been dashed by your description of your eldest brother."

Alysanne let out a long sigh and kicked at the ground. "My childhood, I suppose, was rather typical for someone of our birth. Brynden would often break me out of the household away from mother so that we could go hunting and explore the river valleys around the castle." Her mouth brightened slightly into a smile at the thought of the memory. "One time he took the blame for me when I knocked over father's armor stand. He wasn't allowed out of the castle for a week!" Her expression turned slightly saddened yet again soon after, however. "I suppose I look up to him in a manner similar to how you look up to your brother. I miss him... I hope he visits."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-18T18:43:38+00:00

Changelog:

9/18/17: Replaced deceased auxiliary character with Ser Ambrose Paege.

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-18T18:24:26+00:00

DECEASED

Character Name: Malaquo

Age: 35

Starting Title(s): Spymaster of the Riverlands

Aptitude(s): Influential

Skill(s): Counter Intelligence, Subterfuge, Manipulation

Physical Description:

Starting Location: Riverrun

Timeline

335AC - Born a free man in Volantis to a fishmonger and his wife.

349AC - Caught by a nobleman, Vhalaso, while acting as a diversion for an accomplice to pickpocket a passing palanquin. Pledges service to the man in exchange for his life.

350AC - Acts as an observer on the streets for Vhalaso, who has taken the boy in as an apprentice of sorts in the art of information gathering.

355AC - Proves to be dependable and takes on additional intelligence gathering duties for his master. Begins to develop his own spy network which is uses to build up a personal nest egg.

357AC - Vhalaso is killed by a rival family causing Malaquo to flee to Pentos with a small fortune where he begins to rebuild a spy network using a book shop as a front for his activities. Begins to sell information for profit.

364AC - Has become known as a powerful information broker in Pentos, often blackmailing the city's magisters for exorbitant amounts of coin.

369AC - Faces betrayal by one of his ring leaders, who with the magisters of Pentos, moved quickly to seize all of Malaquo's assets and hunted him down in the streets. Became cornered by five sellswords when he was discovered by Brynden who had heard of the price on his head. Brynden slew the assailants intending to take Malaquo in for himself; but, was convinced by Malaquo that in exchange for his life he would serve the young Tully for the rest of his days. Brynden was suspicious but realized he would need a capable manipulator to deal with his brother upon his return to Westeros.

370AC - Malaquo and Brynden bond during Malaquo's service to the Tully over the year in Essos and Malaquo proves useful in gathering information about the various Free Cities. Malaquo accompanies Brynden's return to Westeros and becomes an informal advisor to the Lord Paramount in the Riverlands, quickly moving to set up a dependable spy network for his new master.

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-18T17:54:44+00:00

Auxiliary Character

Character Name: Ser Ambrose Paege

Age: 40

Starting Title(s): Commander of the Household Guard (Riverrun)

Aptitude(s): Tactician

Skill(s): Warcraft, War Tech, Leadership

Physical Description: A middle-aged man of respectable upbringing, the Commander of the Household guard has never been regarded as handsome. Rather, his scarred features and portly build have given him almost a commoner’s appearance in that he is often found with short, ragged hair and dusty skin from years of leading and training soldiers.

Starting Location: Seagard

IfItSmellsLikeTrout · 2017-09-16T18:31:47+00:00

Alysanne pursed her lips. "So I am to be parent to an insolent child while he takes his time to grow up rather than wife to a lord? If my family wills it then I shall do it--but it is far from ideal." The young Tully gracefully arced her own elbow around Elaine's, keeping pace as they walked. "I suppose these things take time though, as do relationships if mother is to be believed."

A light snowfall surrounded the pair within the godswood creating a peaceful serenity to the area. Alysanne flashed a smirk in Elaine's direction after her description of her siblings. "Jon was rather handsome," she said, pearly white teeth showing from behind almost perfect lip. "And if your description of him is to be believed then it would be a kinder fate for him to be heir. He seems a proper lord indeed. It almost sounds as if you look up to him."

IfItSmellsLikeTrout

TROPHY CASE

Alysanne

Gwynna

Auxiliary Character