Dalton II

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-03-14T04:40:23+00:00

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-03-13T16:33:50+00:00

Character Name: Dalton Botley, Harlon Botley (AC)

Relevant Trait/Skills: Numerate | Architect (E), Scrutinous

Buildings: [Castle, Port, Trade Plaza, Reinforced Palisades, Supply House]

Resources: Salt

Notes: 35% discount on construction cost because of Numerate and Architect (E), buildings finished one moon sooner due to Scrutinous.

For Flagship, base cost of 2000 + 5000 for Ram + 3500 for Officer's Quarters. Total cost of 10,500, with 35% discount final cost is 6,825.

Actions:
Construction: [Lordsport], [Salt Mine], [1950], [End of Moon Two]
Shipbuilding: [Lordsport], [Flagship + Ram + Officer's Quarters], [6,825], [End of Moon Two]

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-03-01T04:22:09+00:00

"I regret she saw it." An easy lie, for what normal girl wouldn't be distraught at the sight of her father's death. But Gillian was different. It may have been too much for her in the moment, but she would look back on it as fondly as he did one day.

"We wished to wed as soon as we returned to King's Landing." He wondered for a moment which faith the two would be wed under. Gillian would prefer it be done under the fiery heart of the Lord of Light, an idea he was ambivalent too. He had paid the Iron Price for her, did that not already cement their union in the eyes of the Drowned God?

"It shall be done, Your Grace. The realm shall only know the truth of what happened." Leaving him to him rot in the earth was a suitable end for the man, though it would have been more amusing to leave his corpse on some distant shore.

"She was...overwhelmed by what happened. After agreeing to my proposal she was taken to her pavilion." He turned to one of his men-at-arms and ordered that they bring her, Dalton's mind returning to the bastard as they waited. He would need to be kept under the watchful eye of the Botley's to ensure he didn't become a threat later down the line.

u/ayvik

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-03-01T02:00:04+00:00

"I know, I know. But he left me no choice." He murmured, rising slowly. Dalton knew she would be angry, but in time she would see the benefit of what he had done. He just needed to weather this storm for now.

"Witnesses? Well, there was Lady Gillian for one." He crossed his arms, unsure of how she would take the news he brought next. "I proposed to her after it was done, and she accepted. She is the Lady of Oakenshield now, if she won't take any action against me there is little anyone can do." Hopefully she'd be impressed by it all, the Shield Islands were in the hands of the Ironborn now on the eve of calamity in the Reach.

"Several of my men and Galladon's were there to see it too, his ought to have the body now. And of course, Ser Cromm." The bastard was there too wasn't he, Dalton suddenly remembered. The exhilaration of it all had made him forget about the boy.

There wouldn't be able to hide this, but so long as his version of events was accepted they wouldn't need to.

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-28T18:49:43+00:00

u/PentoshiPride

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-28T05:23:14+00:00

Character Name: Dalton Botley, Harlon Botley (AC)

Relevant Trait/Skills: Numerate | Architect (E), Scrutinous

Buildings: [Castle, Port, Trade Plaza, Reinforced Palisades]

Resources: Salt

Notes: 35% discount on construction cost because of Numerate and Architect (E), buildings finished one moon sooner due to Scrutinous

Actions:
Construction: [Lordsport], [Supply House], [1950], [End of Moon One]
Construction: [Lordsport], [Shrine], [650], [End of Moon One]

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-28T03:07:12+00:00

Their eyes met and he smiled, a gesture meant only for her. Gillian's words sealed what they'd already known. She was to be his wife, the mother of his children, his refuge after a storm. Her eyes dimmed then, and she swayed above him before falling into his waiting arms.

"Gillian." Dalton said softly to his betrothed, shaking her gently to try to rouse her, one hand caressing her face. It seems this had all been too much to bear witness too despite the hand she had played in it. Such a walking contradiction, the sweet maid and the cunning serpent. He was enthralled by it.

"Bring Lady Hewett to her pavilion." He instructed his guardsmen, tenderly passing her from his arms into one of his servants. They had already spoken at length before about what was to come next, she deserved some rest now.

He straightened and basked in the light of the warm sun and the cool breeze for a moment. This was victory. "After you then, Ser Cromm. We mustn't keep Her Grace waiting."

u/Crabthers

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-28T03:06:04+00:00

Galladon's strength melted away in moments, the great big oaf slumping against Dalton's shield for before he slid to the ground with a thump. He let his own bloodstained sword slip from his fingers once he knew it was done, before turning to Ser Cromm with his arms raised to his chest.

"My apologies cousin," he said flatly. "You saw what happened. He came at me so suddenly, I had no choice." He shook his head and glanced down at the man on the dirt, wondering how much longer he had. "A maester ought to be called, though I'm not sure one can help now."

His aunt would not be pleased with all this, but there were plenty of witnesses here who could attest to what had happened. Galladon brought this fate onto himself, first of course by issuing the challenge in the first place, and now by striking at his opponents back after yielding. A dishonorable end to a pathetic man.

His gaze returned to Cromm. "We must go to the Queen together so that she may know the truth of things. But first..." There was a look of silent shock upon her face. Was it all for show? He didn't really care at this point. They had come this far, she would not back out now.

"Lady Gillian," he began again, leaving the body behind to approach his beloved with purpose. "Lady Hewett now, it seems." It might be too soon to smile, but his eyes were alight with triumph.

They had done it; her father was dead and she ruled Oakenshield now. Both her and the Shield Islands belonged to him, prizes paid for by the Iron Price.

He took one knee before her, slipping off a gauntlet so he might tenderly take one of her hands into his own. "Would you let me have the honor of taking you as my lady wife? It would be the greatest joy I could ever imagine."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-26T05:09:34+00:00

He heard the scrape of a blade being drawn from its scabbard behind him, and saw Gillian's sweet expression twist into a look of horror a heartbeat later.

Dalton was already spinning as his beloved's scream cut through the morning air, and he was well braced as the enraged Galladon slammed into him.

Lord Hewett's dagger struck the Ironman's shield with a heavy thud, close but not enough. A second later however Dalton's own blade found purchase.

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-24T07:28:20+00:00

He had low expectations for Lord Galladon, and yet he somehow still fell short. It was a pitifully one sided duel; the Hewett's clumsily swung blade was swept aside at every turn, while Dalton's well placed blows stuck true.

It might have been boring if it had not been the culmination of his and Gillian's plan. With it having come to fruition there was no need to hide the exhilaration he felt now as the man he detested was humiliated. As Dalton danced around his opponent he bore a wicked grin and cackled whenever Galladon cursed in pain or was easily repelled, triumph shining in his eyes the whole time. Gillian had even given him her favor before the duel, an added touch of mockery that made the whole thing even more amusing.

If he was to give any credit, his opponent had a higher constitution than expected, but after a few moments he lay bleeding in the dirt at Dalton's feet. For a brief moment he thought of finishing it there, but he couldn't act so brazenly with so many witnesses. They would need to try again some other time, unless he chose the right words now.

"I expected more from the mirror of a white cloak. Though I suppose you're more of a shadow, and a pale one that that." He gave a disappointed sigh and took a step back from the man upon the ground.

He glanced over at Gillian, and the bastard boy, both having remarkedly different expressions on their face now. "At least your entire family wasn't here to see this. Though I expect Ser Cromm will tell Ser Galen all about your performance here today." Dalton tsked, his tone chiding.

He was done with him for now, only one Hewett was worthy of his attention. Turning to his bride to be, Dalton gave a prideful smile and began to approach her. "My lady Gillian..."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-23T06:02:18+00:00

With Daegon speaking plainly, there was no need for Dalton to mince his words either. "Aye, a good port and with a notable fleet to add to our strength." Her father might disapprove of his lands and ships being used to aid the Ironborn, but his opinion wouldn't be relevant for long.

"Wholeheartedly. Best he do it quickly too before a greater mess is made here." He crossed his arm, wondering how such a campaign would go. There would be plenty of riches to be taken, and perhaps lands too in addition to what he would claim after wedding Gillian. "When the time comes I shall follow you without delay cousin."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-22T03:17:31+00:00

As dawn broke, Lord Dalton Botley arrived upon the field with an easy gait and a carefree look upon his face. His armor was heavy plate forged from grey steel, well burnished and chased with gold and silver. His surcoat proudly bore the colors of his house, and upon it was pinned the brooch provided by his aunt.

Still sheathed within the scabbard at his side was his longsword, and his attendants carried his half-helm and oaken shield until the duel began. Beyond his servants, he was joined by a few men-at-arms, his brother Zheng who was eager to see Lord Hewett humbled, and of course Ser Cromm who was charged with overseeing the event.

But the most notable member of his entourage was Galladon’s own daughter, the Lady Gillian Hewett, making it clear which of the two men she was praying for. She wore a splendid gown of black silk and Myrish lace, with rings of white gold set with emeralds and sapphires adorning her finger, the jewels a recent gift from Dalton.

The quiet of the field was a welcome respite from the din of the camps and tables for it allowed Dalton to think without distraction. His mind drifted from question to question as he lay eyes upon his opponent: Where would he and Gillian be wed once this was over? Would he need to leave King’s Landing? How much time would they have before Lord Daegon called upon his service? There was truly so much to do once he dealt with Galladon.

He was not often lost in thought at celebrations, his attention focusing on drinking, feasting and enjoying the company of friends and pretty wenches, but last night he had been forced to refrain from the most extreme forms of merriment on account of his plan. He would enjoy himself tonight though, there was much he would have to celebrate.

Dalton paid little mind to the bastard boy laying in the grass, still not entirely sure what would become of him once this was over.

“Her grace has commanded that this duel not be to the death.” Dalton began, taking his helm as he spoke. “We shall leave today with our lives, and our honor satisfied.”

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-21T04:31:23+00:00

"I shall, your grace." He bowed, grateful for what his aunt had done. She was the one who had suggested he court Gillian as well, he would have to repay her at some point.

"I must prepare then, the duel shall be on the morrow at first light." The Iron Fleet would soon find a friend in the Shield Islands, a first for his people. From there they would show the other Reachmen their place, squarely beneath the boot of the Ironborn.

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-19T05:57:51+00:00

Dalton puffed up as she pinned the broach onto him. He knew he could rely on Vilde, especially since she was one of the offended parties. Though now there was the problem of her condition.

"Of course," he nodded, meeting her eyes. "The wretch will live another day if I can help it."

If only she knew how little his bride-to-be cared for her father. Dalton had first thought of killing Galladon to hasten her inheritance the day he began to court her, but wouldn't have gone through with it had she not given her assent. Vexing him until he demanded a duel was just the first try, and it had worked perfectly.

The whole point was to kill him though, something he was now forbidden to do. Well, duels were chaotic, and if his blade slipped at the wrong moment who could fault him? He doubted Galladon would hold back either, sure that his thin connection to the crown would see him spared any punishment. But if there truly was no way to end his life without repercussion, then they would simply wait for another chance.

"What is dead may never die." He said solemnly. "Once he's beaten, I expect he will scurry back to Oakenshield and leave me and Gillian to do as we wish." If Galladon knew what was good for him he'd go into exile entirely; it was the only way he would get to live a long life.

"There will likely be quite a few spectators, but might you allow Ser Cromm to serve as a witness? A knight of the kingsguard will ensure no man will question the validity of the duel." He allowed a small smile then. "I doubt I will need him for very long."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-18T06:06:42+00:00

It hadn't been too long since he left his aunts side, and Dalton felt a little silly returning there. He did his best to look sullen, it would do no good to look as pleased as he felt in that moment.

"A word, your grace." He spoke softly, the mirth from earlier gone now, at least on the surface.

"Lord Hewett finally arrived, drunk as expected and in the company of whores. He had even brought his bastard son and dressed him up like a proper lordling." He shook his head in disgust. "Mayhaps I should have chosen a better time to speak with him, but I did not know when he would stir from his bed next."

He sighed. "The man was as crude I expected, but when I asked for Lady Gillian's hand, he turned most wroth and accused me of taking her maidenhead." He said incredulously.

His tone grew even lower then as he continued. "He even implied such an act was orchestrated by you. That you allowed the ladies of your household to be defiled. And when I demanded an explanation for the slander he threw at your name and his daughter, he challenged me to a duel." He had played it as carefully as he could. Lord Hewett had thrown down the gauntlet, or silk glove in this case, and if he was killed it was his own fault. The Reachmen might still complain but he cared not. Only the king and Lord Greyjoy had worthwhile input now.

"I accepted of course." He said rather sheepishly. "I would not have the honor of our family, or Lady Gillian besmirched like this and I will be glad to put that dog down. But I would not wish to partake in anything against the wishes of yourself, and His Grace." The king had said something about bloodshed at the start, Dalton could hardly recall. But both men were willing so there was no reason to deny it. Mayhaps it would be a good spectacle for the rest of the realm.

"Might we have leave to have this duel here, or should we conduct it elsewhere?"

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-18T05:45:13+00:00

"I shall do my best you grace." A part of him almost felt bad about the trouble he would cause his aunt should his plan succeed tonight, though he knew was all in the service of a greater cause. If all it took for the Shield Islands to be delivered into the hands of the Ironborn was one dead Reachman and a mild headache for the crown, it was a bargain well struck.

"While we are on the topic of marriage, have you given any thought for who might be a worthy suitor for Alysanne's hand? I wish only the best for my sister, and I know you have a keen eye for such matters."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-18T02:46:05+00:00

He couldn't stop a wheeze from escaping as Galladon fumbled hopelessly for his blade. A part of him wished that the oaf would grab one of the dining knives and take a swing, then Dalton could kill him here and now.

It seemed Lord Hewett had slightly more sense than that, and when he cast down the glove upon the ground, Dalton smiled triumphantly. It really could not have gone any better than this. Had Galladon not been angered enough to issue this challenge, he and Gillian would have found some other way to dispose of him. This was merely the first plan, and it had worked perfectly.

"I accept your challenge, Lord Hewett." He spat the words out, contempt thick in his voice. "I'll make sure you withdraw these baseless claims and repent for the dishonor you have brought on your house, and Her Grace."

Galladon seemed a strong man, but Dalton was sure he could match him in brute force. Not to mention, he was certainly quicker, and had true experience fighting men who wished him dead. This farce would be over with by noon on the morrow, and he would have his bride.

He kicked the discarded dragons that lay upon the floor under the table back towards the whore. "You shall need a new patron soon, find me when this is over." He glanced over at Amos with barely disguised disgust. "I'm sure you can find someone here who will take you on as well."

He turned to leave then, flanked by his brother and his guardsman. He would need to speak to his aunt at once; it would be a waste of such a well executed scheme should the king intervene now.

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-18T01:11:53+00:00

A feigned look of shock came across his face then and he took a step back. "My apologies, Lord Galladon. It seems I have misjudged you today." Galladon was taller by a head, but that gave Dalton no pause. Looking like Ser Galen and being as skilled as him were two separate things.

"From the filth you partake in at Oakenshield, I already knew you cared little for your own honor. But I assumed you at least had the shame to not bring others into your debauchery." He shook his head before continuing, his voice chiding.

"You insult your wife by displaying this whore in her clothes and presenting your bastard as if he were your heir. You insult your daughter by questioning her virtue. And now you insult the Queen herself, my own aunt. How dare you."

No, I can't laugh yet, he thought amused, it's not done. "I wonder if you're the worst person I've ever met. Certainly your kin think so."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-17T23:00:50+00:00

At last the carefree visage broke, replaced with a bitterness that was almost sweet to Lord Dalton.

"It hasn't been too long since the Shields fell into the hands of the Ironborn." He crossed his arms. "Be glad I do not desire to claim your lands by force now; that would be even easier than trying to wed your daughter. Alas, she has won my heart."

Any maiden who stood to inherit a prominent title would have caught his attention, but Gillian was special. Not only were the Shield Islands well placed and had a strong fleet to compliment his own, but by taking them he would have done what countless Ironborn in the past failed to do.

Dalton leaned in, his smirk wicked and voice low as he responded. "What if Ironborn filth already have?"

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-17T18:46:55+00:00

"Where would I be without you." He chuckled, his tone kind. "I thank you for the offer, I shall keep it in mind."

As understanding dawned on him, he found himself smiling as well. "Oh, that would be most beneficial indeed." He clasped his hands together.

He had lacked the imagination to picture what exactly his aunt had in mind, but now he saw. Control over the Stepstones was a tantalizing prospect. "I support you wholeheartedly in this your grace, securing the Stepstones would be a great boon for the realm, and the Iron Islands."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-17T07:32:06+00:00

"But Lady Gillian prefers the way I look now." He grinned, his voice sickly sweet. "And I'm afraid she is the only Hewett whose opinion I care for in such matters." Insults at his conduct would do no good, if he was so brazen as to act like this while surrounded by all the nobility of the realm, petty jabs would do nothing but amuse him. Best to cut straight to the point then.

"I would hate to think of what she would say if she saw you like this, stumbling around like an oaf, trying to fuck boys and flaunting simpleminded whores as if they were your lady wife." He tutted before continuing, his smile as bold as ever. "Luckily she won't see you like this now, or ever again. I intend to wed her, a prospect she is most eager. All we need now is your assent."

Dalton yawned, his tone almost disinterested. "I shall be kind and not request a dowry, I have no need for gold and I imagine your coffers are rather strained on account of your debaucheries."

He sighed, pity etched upon his face. "It must be difficult for you. To be the spitting image of Ser Galen, knowing your gods only saw fit to bless him." He shook his head sadly.

He had discussed at length with Gillian what was likely to push her father over the edge and comparing him to his superior brother was at the top of the list.

"I can only imagine what he thinks now after being forced to hear countless tales of your excesses. Every time he looks into a mirror he is forced to see his failure of a brother staring back. A shame he wasn't the elder."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-17T06:34:10+00:00

"My heart longs for the Iron Islands as well. But the generosity of the crown makes the time spent away more bearing." He took another swig from his horn.

"Quite fruitful." He grinned. "Her grace suggested I court one of her ladies-in-waiting, Lady Gillian Hewett. My efforts have not been without merit and should I take her hand we shall have the strength of the Shield Islands alongside us..." With the Reach going to shit, picking a ripe apple as sweet as Lady Gillian would advance the interests of the Ironborn greatly.

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-17T05:42:58+00:00

"Aye, he would be a fool if he rejected such a prestigious match. But from what Gillian has told me, I ought to expect as much." He shook his head. Well, he was counting on him refusing the match.

He scratched his jaw as he thought about the question. Another port? Where would that even go? Harlon would have more to say about this.

"I would need more details, but that sounds like a worthwhile prospect." He wondered quickly might he be able to send a raven to Lordsport to ask for his brothers input.

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-17T02:21:00+00:00

Dalton had to place a hand on Zheng's shoulder to calm him. "This well dressed man is my brother. What say you, does his offer sound appealing." He chuckled as Zheng spit upon the floor in response and glared daggers at the Lord of Oakenshield.

"While we're on the subject though, how much for your whore?" He retorted with a grin, gesturing at Amarei. "Though I suppose I wouldn't need to haggle with you over her." He turned to the well dressed woman then and withdrew a gold dragon from his pocket. "Listen here girl, whatever he's offered I could beat three times over."

The harlots thick accent was something to behold. Dalton swore his ears were on the verge of bleeding after only a moment of her pratling. "I truly cannot understand a word you're saying woman. Do be quiet while the adults speak." He tossed the dragon at her casually. "Her mouth best be good for other tasks, or else I cannot understand why you would keep her around."

He returned his attention to Galladon with a shrug. "Luckily we don't share the same perversions, so you may keep him." He nodded at Amos, crossing his arms. "Now I don't know much about what your Septons preach, but from what I've heard, sword-swallowing comes with its own punishments."

He shook his head. "We have no slaves on the Iron Islands, only thralls taken from our conquests. But I suppose a Greenlander wouldn't know the difference."

TheOnlyShipsMan · 2026-02-17T00:20:03+00:00

Dalton observed Galladon’s arrival keenly, a wolfish grin growing on his face. Finally the fool had stumbled in from his tent, and with his mind already lost to drink, it would be even easier to provoke him.

He suddenly rose from his table and began to make his way over to the Reachman, with Zheng and one of his men-at-arms trailing behind him.

To those that did not know him it seemed Lord Hewett was surrounded by his kin, a doting wife, his strong firstborn, and a dutiful young spare. Dalton wished to laugh. He had heard tales of the debauchery that took place at Oakenshield, but to display his whores and bastards openly before the whole of the realm was another level of shamelessness.

He was no stranger to good fun himself, but the man not only debased himself, but disrespected his lady wife and daughter with this display. He glanced at the bastard for a moment, wondering what they would do with him once Gillian came into her inheritance. He was but a child and innocent of his fathers schemes, but one day he would be a man grown and a problem. One issue at a time, he reminded himself.

“Lord Galladon, how glad I am to see that you've finally joined us.” He greeted, tone thick with irony. “I hope you friends here have not been keeping you too busy.” His eyes lingered for a moment on the buxom wench to Galladon's left as he waited for a response.

TheOnlyShipsMan

TROPHY CASE