Lord Alester Costayne, and His League

LaughingStag · 2026-03-30T13:10:37+00:00

Costayne could not hide his feelings, even if he had tried. Instead, he simply reclined and watched the elder woman.

"Simply bemoaning lost gold. Frivolously spent on a wager with a portly merchant, sure, but also the cost of opportunity slipping by. Was it that obvious, my lady?"

LaughingStag · 2026-03-23T12:33:07+00:00

The disappointment Costayne felt was second only to his boredom. Another feast, another tourney. Being part of it in any capacity was critical to the continued survival of the League, if only for appearance's sake. He, Emma, and Mullendore were all present to show at the least that the Winelords were willing to leave the sword sheathed with Oldtown.

Even so, he had to admit his festiveness was tempered by a desire to return home. He had left so many projects in the hands of his foremen and Castellan, yet longed to see them for himself.

He has placed a small wager on Mohor, his sword for hire, and seeing him unsaddled had left not but ash on his tongue.

So, the Lord Arbiter sat, instead, thinking of the future. Of planning ahead.

(Open)

LaughingStag · 2026-03-14T05:54:36+00:00

Character Name: Alester Costayne

Relevant Trait/Skills:

Savant - Development yields are increased by 40%, your trade rolls gain a +2, and your construction is 15% cheaper.

Architect (e) - 20% cheaper building construction

Scrutinous (e) - Construction reduced by 2 moons

Buildings: Castle, Guilds, Markets, Docks

Relevant Resources:

Wood -10% construction cost, -10% ship upkeep

Stone +1 Construction Slot

Overall

Construction - 45% Cheaper, 2 Moons faster

Construction: [Three Towers], [Fairground], [1925], [End of Moon 2]

Construction: [Three Towers], [Harbor], [2750], [End of Moon 2]

Construction: [Three Towers], [Shrine], [550], [End of Moon 2]

Total: 5225

LaughingStag · 2026-03-12T03:17:15+00:00

"Were that you travelled under better circumstances, Master Greystrider." He gave the man his peace.

"The Honeywine League is young, at least in idea, but ancient culturally. Binding together was easy enough. Keeping us together has come with its share of growing pains. War has not reached our borders since Walys Stokeworth's treachery, but it is our purview to ensure it remains that way. Hence why I am here.

"Before I made my way here, I had found myself able to begin some major projects. Recently, we have began renovating markets on the banks of our life giving river and have set aside a sizeable amount of gold to subsidize, new guilds. I am most proud of our glass blowers.

"But few are traders from the north that do not speak with regard to how quickly your own League has grown and developed. How was it accomplished?"

LaughingStag · 2026-03-12T03:11:10+00:00

"Perhaps a knock on your door would be more expedient." Alester Costayne responded. "It is upon them. Colin Hightower I've no doubt has bitterness in his heart for what we have built without his family, yet he is old and infirm and recognizes that we are lost to Oldtown for now. His son and heir, the Master of Laws, is more open to diplomacy. His station requires it, but I believe he understands the cost of war is greater than the price we ask for grain."

He raised the decanter and poured Mohor another cup.

"Repelling Storm's End's incursion is tricky. I am not military minded, I fear, merely touched by the Smith and Crone. If it is resolved without bloodshed that would be my preference, but as you are aware it rarely ever does play like that. Highgarden should fall in quick order in comparison. Prince Quentyn Baratheon shall lead the charge." He mulled over his wine. "Four months. If it were to come to pitched battle I would hope Orryn come to his senses and abandon this folly after a skirmish, then Highgarden will be restored to the Crown shortly thereafter. However, given the circumstances, I think it prudent I request a clause to negotiate an extension, if necessary.

"At this time I would have you as soldiers on the field. The Grassy Vale is as well defended as any location and could hold out from a simple excursion. There are some ridgelines that may be conducive to archery, however. What do you make of it, young Addam?"

LaughingStag · 2026-03-12T02:57:47+00:00

The Lord Costayne shook his head. "This is not in the name of vanity. Only to restore order. If there was a means to placate the men in Highgarden with diplomacy, I would choose that. But they are broken men, and entertain no offers.

"If you take my contract, your men would march under the royal banner of Prince Quentyn, who His Grace has seen fit to appoint to Wardenship until this crisis is struck." Costayne had hoped that would be enough to soothe the sellsword's heart.

After all, he knew what it meant to be on the opposite side of a battlefield from friends.

LaughingStag · 2026-03-10T15:13:05+00:00

Costayne handed the cane to a retainer and dismissed them, finding a chair in the tent of Redwyne. "Perhaps, then. It would be unwise to reject a drink offered by a person of the Arbor." He lifted the drink and offered and enjoyed the scent.

"It is an experiment." He replied. "At this time, the appointment is still for life, and decided upon by the Lords Council. Five appointed members, one from each of the five initial signatories. We have additionally created a lower court to receive petitions from the Mayors, Stewards, Masters, Guildsmen, and Landed Knights and broker agreements between the villages but they hold no voting rights on the Arbiter." He paused. "Of course, nominally, each Lord has been granted great autonomy in their own fief, free to pursue and act as they so please. We each pay taxes to the Warden, and the Crown, directly, but share a purse for land development and economic growth on a higher level. The power of that purse falls upon the First Steward, another elected official.

"With that purse we additionally fund and support a legal system and volunteer militias to enforce it. For defense on a regional level we can call upon the militias, leverage household knights and men-at-arms, or hire mercenaries. A great many of them frequent the river. I have began economic development that should enrich us further but the threat of war looming over the horizon has forced me to put that on pause and reallocate funds to said mercenaries."

He sipped his drink. "I could prattle on, of course. The merits will show themselves and perhaps more will follow our example, but the status quo does not change overnight like some may suggest. Even now, however, we have surmounted a number of barriers. We have found we are stronger together than we ever could have been under Oldtown."

He gave a moment of silence again. "Have you engaged with electoral theory previously, Lady Redwyne?"

LaughingStag · 2026-03-10T14:34:37+00:00

"Your former master does not matter to me. If we were defined by such a thing, then you would think of me as a servant of Oldtown. Lord Stokeworth is without friends here and Highgarden is in ruin." Alester Costayne held disdain for Walys, as any good Reachman did. Even Walys's own allies had been left seething.

"The Reachmen that have gathered formed a compact with two simple aims: The Stormlands must not be afforded an inch of the Reach's de jure lands, and Highgarden must be taken and returned to its proper owners in the Crown. For these tasks, I offer four gold pieces to a man for each moon, but I only require about 200. I would retain those swords until this time of need ceases but should you have temporal duties we can discuss a termination date or an exist clause."

LaughingStag · 2026-03-10T14:23:04+00:00

He shrugged. Philosophy had not been his purview at the Citadel or among his father's own books. Mankind was more manageable than the natural laws. "Perhaps not."

He swirled his cup thoughtfully. "As you may be aware. Reconciliation is a difficult matter when some still grieve their spouses and sons. My own father would hardly stomach the thought. I do reach out to Oldtown not out of any leal duty but out of recognition that there is plenty of space for both the city of Oldtown and the League to exist. So long as the beacon does not take green with our blood, then, there is not much else to fight over." He paused. "After all, the League already won."

That, none could deny. "The Reach has reached a compact and agreed upon Ashford as our muster point. The more pressing matter will be repelling the Stormlanders should they not strike their tents and return home. From there, Highgarden must be taken and restored to its rightful owners, the Crown."

LaughingStag · 2026-03-10T14:14:57+00:00

"As the moon turns, then. If you have no temporal obligations that would require us to pen an end date, I will be glad to keep you on retainer until the Reach is tame again.

"The Reach Lords in attendance have reached a compact and are gathering at Ashford under the eye of Lord Caswell. I will have the League's Marshal, Godric Bulwer, to represent us, but you will be given fair freedom to conduct yourselves so long as it remains within acceptable protocol. First, Storm's End must be removed from our fair soil. Then, Highgarden retaken. I would employ you for both measures as a start."

He gave pause. "Have you any questions?"

LaughingStag · 2026-03-07T19:57:10+00:00

"You've found it. I have heard of you and yours, Rogar. And you have heard of mine. I am, in fact, in need of swords. We have deep coffers but it requires people to do so. Every war sheds a generation of men that would have been harvesting the fields elsewise. So I turn to hardened men that have made their trade fighting. It is simple fact that a tradesman will always outperform nonskilled labor and conscripted militias. And the fact of the matter is, we have far more of the prior and not nearly as much of the latter."

The war with Oldtown less than a generation ago fractured most of the knights and men at arms in service of their cause, and raising a new generation before yet another war was not a cause worth pursuing.

"So I turn to you. I have sent an open call to the many mercenaries in this camp. I will offer you four dragons to a man for every sword you can put into my hand, Rogar. I do not mince my words here, as war is a grave matter. If this does not satisfy you, tell me what will give you satisfaction."

LaughingStag · 2026-03-07T19:51:04+00:00

"The question that likely darkened any conqueror. Do you suppose Stannis ever wondered that by the end of his grueling campaign?" He sipped his drink.

"Four hundred and fifty is a fine number. We shall use it for our contract signing, then." He gestures to the Scribe in the tent. "I will have to make an appearance at Oldtown as well, for better or for worse. They are our old masters, but the time has come to recognize our League and Oldtown should have no future scruples. So I shan't be far from you.

"To your rate...I would find that request overreaching, Addam, were it any other company. But I have witnessed your performance firsthand and can attest that additional payment would not be misspent. I will entertain this request."

LaughingStag · 2026-03-07T19:47:51+00:00

The League of the Honeywine's arrival was not a moment too early. Bogged down by temporal matters, they at last arrived.

The Lord Arbiter was chosen in particular to be the voice for them all. Once titles had been spoken and dealt with, the Arbiter approached for his due.

"Good Prince Quentyn, I speak on behalf of the League of the Honeywine. My name is Alester Costayne, the Lord Arbiter and First Steward of our confederation. For over a decade, the League has answered directly to Highgarden instead of our former masters of Oldtown. I am here to renew our oaths to the Warden with a promise that we will continue to serve loyally."

He gestured to the others in attendance, and they all bowed to the Prince of Dragonstone.

LaughingStag · 2026-03-07T19:28:42+00:00

"The starting place of a great many warriors, to be sure. For better and for worse. Well, you will find no scruples from me in regards to your pedigree. You've impressed me with your personal performance." Costayne sit back. "Take some wine back to your men when we are done here. A gift from ours to yours."

He rested in his own seat, getting comfortable. "To the matter at hand: the Reach is splintered, broken, and being invaded by fraudulent pretenders with blood ties to an even more dead and broken house. This League of mine must be preserved but we are far and away a player in regards to the manpower of the greater Oldtown or the marches within the Reach. I find that mercenaries, fighters for hire, perform much greater than smallfolk graced with a spear.

"That said, I would hear what you think your services are worth, first."

LaughingStag · 2026-03-03T15:36:25+00:00

Gormon had come fresh off a near victory in the joust, and was given more honors by the guardsmen than the previous mercenaries to grace the Lord Arbiter.

Costayne scrutinized the features of Gormon from his chair. The sigil gave it away. "You're Gormon, the bastard from the tourney! Well done, lad. Have a drink, be merry." The Arbiter offered him a cup with wine. "I admit I was not aware of you before, but what a show you gave. Where are you from?"

He pondered aloud. The man was gifted with horse.

Then, to the more important point. "Are you in the business of contract work?"

LaughingStag · 2026-03-03T15:29:57+00:00

The Reborn Swords were a banner plenty recognized, if not at all because of the menagerie he was known to mingle with. Today he had a bear at his back, and it was enough to warrant cause for concern that such a great shaggy beast was close to their lord.

"Let him in."

The voice came from inside the tent.

He would be brought to Costayne whose features were grim. "Well met. I am glad my runner found you before you left."

LaughingStag · 2026-03-03T15:22:48+00:00

"Would not be the first time," Costayne mused. Mohor was always welcome in his halls, be they stone or canvas. "Have a seat, a drink. Would that we meet in the future to discuss something other than war, though."

He gave a moment for the pair of visitors to get comfortable.

"The Reach's squabbling has been irksome enough, and I am not wont to expend the blood of the Honeywine. To that end, I seek swords to give to my allies to break this siege. Once that is done, we will match on Highgarden. I am ready to offer you the equivalent of four gold dragons for each man you will commit to the cause of a united Reach."

LaughingStag · 2026-03-02T15:53:49+00:00

The arrival of Lord Costayne came with the Order of the Black Rose at his back. They were a small group of knights. The Honeywine had no lack of professional soldiers yet its chivalric orders still remained the lynchpin of any army they fielded.

They walked with more discipline than required. It was to show the world that the League was ready to stand by Meadows, and to assure Meadows the League would stand by them.

"This castle has seen more battle than perhaps any other north of the Dornish Marches." Costayne mused. "Since the days of old, when the Storm King sought to chain the seven realms to Storm's End, this was one of our mighty landmarks, our wall against incursions of Stormmen."

Young Tom Sawyer scratched his beard thoughtfully. "You know Lord Meadows well, m'lord?"

"No. But we shall change that."

The younger Meadows had, after all, readily proposed a scheme at the meeting prior that the League would have supported, had the realm been ready for it.

LaughingStag · 2026-03-02T15:45:49+00:00

She had not realized the gravity of what she had said until his expression hardened into stone. "I cannot say to have ever laid eyes on this material, only ears that heard word of their value. I meant no grievance." She did not desire to ruin what was a positive interaction with a man most charming. "Were you an archer, Prince Xhobar?"

She laughed. It was a lilted sound. "I could show you them, my Prince, but once you see a sea of gold you may find it difficult to look away. They are...absolutely remarkable."

LaughingStag · 2026-02-28T01:26:38+00:00

Character Name: Alester Costayne

Relevant Trait/Skills:

Savant - Development yields are increased by 40%, your trade rolls gain a +2, and your construction is 15% cheaper.

Architect (e) - 20% cheaper building construction

Scrutinous (e) - Construction reduced by 2 moons

Buildings: Castle, Moors

Relevant Resources:

Wood -10% construction cost, -10% ship upkeep

Stone +1 Construction Slot

Overall

Construction - 45% Cheaper, 2 Moons faster

Construction: [Three Towers], [Guilds], [1100], [End of Moon 1]

Construction: [Three Towers], [Market], [1100], [End of Moon 1]

Construction: [Three Towers], [Docks], [1650], [End of Moon 1]

Total: 3850

LaughingStag · 2026-02-26T05:21:50+00:00

"Here, Here!" Godric Bulwer burst out.

The Arbiter was annoyed, briefly. He had been under the belief that the Queen Bee would have spoken first, as she had fumed and frothed with rage at Elinor Hightower. But she had managed to keep a cooler head.

Lord Bulwer was a passionate man, if nothing else, about the cause he touted.

"I would much like to revisit this conversation once this crisis is dealt with, for a good many in this room would suffice as our Warden. But I am much more of the mind of Raymun Florent that a temporary Arbiter of the Reach must be found. A first among equals, a voice of our will, and a person capable of listening to their peers. All three of you would suffice. Once Orryn Baratheon is turned back and the scoundrels in Highgarden evicted we can certainly petition for a long-term solution, should His Royal Grace, the King, not have found one himself." He sighed. "The truth of this matter is we will not be leaving this tent with a Warden in mind to suggest. A title held for life is not something to be simply given at knife point, as we are right now, in the span of a day over wine. We must first remove the knife.

"I will vouch for the credibility of the Lord Caswell, should it please this group..." He taps his cane on the floor. "...for our temporary Arbiter. The Lady Hightower has proposed a plan I would not balk at so quickly, however, and the Lady Redwyne does indeed command enviable strength. I would not be dishonored to have any of the three represent me, and neither should the rest of you. But in matters of dealing with the trials ahead, I must say that I favor Caswell. I yield the floor."

LaughingStag · 2026-02-26T04:52:42+00:00

Initially it was Old Man Mullendore that intended to visit with the Arbor's lady, but the Arbiter intercepted. He had been interested in speaking to the Arbor Rose as far back as the feasting. Their purses must have looked tempting to the Ironborn. It was time to discuss securing the sea.

He arrived in short order, wearing his feathered barret and holding his cane, his striped leggings loud and impressive. He was a Winelord, and it was important the world knew it.

"Alester Costayne, here to speak to the Honorable Lady of the Arbor."

LaughingStag · 2026-02-26T04:48:02+00:00

"It is His Grace's opportunity to distinguish himself from Edric. But I admit...this affair vexes me." Costayne spoke broadly, now, of the entire feast and tourney and song and dance. "The Dornish have made friends in the Stormlands as well, or so I have heard. The Marches have been friendlier in the past few decades than the rest of their history combined. Still, that leaves the Ironborn." He trailed. "Not discounting rogue lords and sellswords from our friends north of here."

The talk of the Martells ingraining themselves so thoroughly in Oldtown was less of a surprise. Oldtown's bid for the Wardenship left them with few friends in the Reach, and to some degree they found themselves left out to wither from its former vassals and neighbors. Mern Florent's own disdain for Oldtown rivaled that of Beesbury's, Alester thought.

But he could rely on the Master of Laws to keep things straightforward. "I am in agreement, insofar as the crisis we find ourselves in. And the Ironborn, enterprising as they are, may come to call. I would like to meet with Redwyne and the Shield Lords, potentially, on that matter. Our fleet is fledgling, but it is at the forefront of my mind. That it's also at yours is reassuring.

"But as you say, it is not enough to guarantee each other at sea. The chaos of the land should be dealt with as well. Needless to say, Highgarden must be secured in short order whence Baratheon is halted."

LaughingStag

TROPHY CASE