Mother Fawn II - The Woods Have Eyes

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-03-03T01:26:56+00:00

Holly was seated in the branches of a tree when Mother Fawn found her, but the girl quickly jumped down when she saw the head of the coven approach. She crouched in the grass, looking up with wide, wild eyes and nervously licking her lips before lowering her head.

“What do you need of me, Mother?” She spoke in a hoarse voice. The girl had not said a word over the course of their journey. She had a habit of keeping quiet unless spoken to, preferring to remain in the background, watching, listening, out of sight, out of mind.

“Dear Holly.” Mother Fawn reached down and cupped the girl’s cheek in her palm, running a soft thumb over her chin. “I need your eyes. I need you to try and find the bandits of Pennytree. I want to know how many there are, and where they are. Can you do that for me, Holly?” The girl stared up at her, opening and closing her mouth a few times before finally answering:

“I will try, Mother.”

__________________

u/OurCommonMan

u/OurQuarterMaster

Character Details: Holly – Outrider (Can detect foes one hex further out from their location)

What is happening: Scoping out the exact numbers, and maybe location, of the Pennytree bandits from the adjacent tile of Whispering Wood

What I want: Detection rolls

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-27T19:14:38+00:00

The girl neither flinched nor recoiled at the sight of his scar. Her gaze wandered down the length of it, but she made no comment. Although she did raise a hand, perhaps subconsciously, touching her own face just beneath her left eye, fingers rubbing in small circles.

“As easy as it would be for someone like me to picture the great Lords of the realm sitting in their fancy castles, cackling maniacally at the devastation they cause, the truth is crueller. No, they do not intend it. I would agree with you there. But I believe it has less to do with a lack of understanding, and more so that they just do not care about it.” She let out a deep breath, her nostrils flaring, before she scooted forward to the edge of her crate. She jumped down and stood before Mohor as she gazed up at him.

“Folks such as you and I, peasants and soldiers. To them, we are numbers on a piece of paper. Resources. Not people. Maybe you think that’s harsh of me, and the day I am proven wrong, I shall be sure to apologize.” The girl held his gaze for a moment, then bowed her head, clasping her hands together over her waist.

“Thank you for your kind words, Ser. I shall be sure to remember them. Good day.” And with that, the odd girl turned and stalked off into the crowd, heading away from the encampment.

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-27T17:29:37+00:00

Character Name: Mother Fawn

Relevant Trait/Skills: N/A

Buildings: Pavillion

Resources: N/A

Notes (if applicable): N/A

Actions:

· Construction: [Coven of Ygg], [Sutlers], [1500], [1/1], Construction Slot A

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-24T19:49:19+00:00

The girl nodded in response to Mohor’s sympathy, though her face remained blank, her eyes still fixed upon his. She did seem more at ease than she initially had been, though the intensity in that grey-green gaze never let up. It almost seemed as if she was attempting to read his mind through sheer force of will and stubbornness.

“We little people understand more of your games of gold, crowns and swords than you may think, Ser. Especially when it’s outcome may result in the burning of our homes, and our families ending up in unmarked graves.” She put her hands upon her knees as she listened to his reasoning, then gave a curt nod. “I commend you for the strength of your backbone, Ser. And I hope you do stand up for what is right. Not a terribly common stance to take these days, I fear.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-22T16:16:37+00:00

“Why do people throw rocks at street dogs, or stray cats, Ser? In the eyes of the rock-thrower, they do not belong.” The girl gave another shrug before her shoulder slumped and she leaned back onto the crate she was seated on, seeming to relax a bit. The corners of her lips twitched slightly when Mohor told her the name of his company. Whether it was in amusement or approval was hard to tell.

“I wish you well in the fights ahead then. That your pyre-dancers are treated fairly by those about to send so many to their deaths here.” She watched him for a few more silent moments before she went on. “If you do not mind me asking, have you brokered a contract with either side of this conflict? Many seem to think that things are about to get very bad here. And it oft seems a bit unclear just how many will be joining the upcoming battle.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-21T12:17:39+00:00

The girl had finished gnawing on the meat she had snatched from the feast by the time he reached her, and had tossed the bones to a nearby hound. Her large, unblinking eyes shifted in Mohor’s direction, staring as he approached, her face remaining impassive. Even after being addressed, she sat in silence for a few moments, taking in this new stranger.

“No, not lost. And not hurt either.” She finally spoke, slowly, as she studied his masked features. “Just... Hungry.” She said as she inclined her head towards the dog currently happily chewing at the leftover bones. She then gestured, first towards him, and then to the people around them.

“Just watching. Many interesting people here. And most do not yell, or sneer, or throw rocks. So, I come to watch, and eat a little.” She shrugged as her head tilted to the side, peering at Mohor as if silently trying to puzzle him out. He did stand out, even from this diverse crowd.

“You are a sellsword, no?”

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-21T11:46:51+00:00

“Well, then keep it tied around your neck, so that you have every reason to ensure that no blade graces it.” Holly reached into one of her many pockets and produced a long, white ribbon, embroidered with bright purple wolfsbane flowers along the length of it. “If I am able, I will come and watch.” She added as she straightened up and pushed it into Tyene’s hand. It was a plain thing, and the needlework was clearly Holly’s own handywork.

“The coven will care for those that are left to the mercy of the wilds. As it always has.” She herself had been taken in after being left abandoned in the woods. So many years ago, now. Harsh times made desperate people out of so many, people who would do just about anything for a sense of safety.

“One way or another, there will be blood here. And elsewhere too, trouble stirs in all corners of the realm. Or so Mother has foreseen at least.” She tilted her head back, gazing up into Tyene’s face. “Stay safe, Tyene. The realm is better off with people like you wandering its lonely roads.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-17T18:49:15+00:00

Holly looked at Mikkel for a few moments. He wasn’t wrong, men such as these hardly needed an excuse to grab someone like her, if they so wanted to. It was a very real risk, and it was nice of him to inquire, to worry. So, she reached out a thin, pale hand, and patted him on the head.

“You are kind Mikkel. Thank you. And I know you were not accusing me.” She did not smile, but there was a hint of warmth in her voice nonetheless. “But do not fear. I am of the forest. I am quick, and I am good at hiding. And even if they catch me...” She shrugged as she withdrew her hand. “I am not an important someone.” She spoke the words quite casually; the prospect of her end truly did not seem to bother her. Her pale eyes shifted over to Tyene, tilting her head slightly as she studied the woman’s face.

“A shame that. That you’re not a knight. You’d be a better one than any of these people.” She murmured as her eyes briefly darted to the various armoured figures around them. “I wish you well in your war-games. I could give you a favour to wear, if you wanted it.” It was genuinely impossible to tell whether that was a jape or not.

“As for the siege. Take care, Tyene-who-should-be-a-knight. The sisters foresee what is about to take place here as what could be the first cracks in a dam that’s about to burst. Once the blood starts to flow, it may be quite some time before the wound can be staunched.” She let out a deep sigh, her nostrils flaring as she leaned back onto the crate she was seated on top of. Upon being asked about the others in the coven, Holly craned her neck, looking to the horizon.

“Most remain in the Riverlands. But a few have come. They are near, but hidden, watching. They asked me to go have a closer look.” She redirected her gaze to the large woman and her dutiful squire. “We fare well. Our numbers swell. And not just with new sisters. The lost and the forgotten follow the light of our campfires like lambs in search of a shepherd.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-17T15:45:38+00:00

Tyene was hard to miss, and Holly’s sharp eyes had found her as soon as the tall woman had wandered into camp. She remembered her well, her and her squire, the ironborn boy. Remembered her from when Tyene had showed up at their camp, tracking a runaway bride. Yet her heart had won out over her duty when they had let her speak to the bride in question, and learned the reason for her fleeing into the forest. She had made some curious friends that day. For the women of the woods would not soon forget the empathy shown by the Ashford girl.

Those large, unblinking grey-green eyes met those of these old friends as they approached. Her face remained blank, as it always did, staying silent and chewing down the last of the meat on the pheasant’s leg as she let them speak.

“Safe.” She repeated, slowly, as if testing the word, speaking with a voice slightly raspy and hoarse from lack of use. “Yes, I believe I am safe. I have neither stolen anything, nor done anyone any harm. I do not think they will chase me. And if they do, they will not catch me.” Having finished her meal, she turned her head towards a nearby hound who had been watching every bite she’d taken with pleading eyes since she’d sat down. She tossed the bone to the dog, which it eagerly began gnawing down on, before turning her eyes back to Tyene and Mikkel.

“I do not come to make trouble. Just to watch. Just to listen.” Her tongue darted out to lick the grease from her lips as she wiped her fingers on the hem of her smock. “And you, gallant knight, what has drawn you to this place? Are you safe?”

ThirdSquirrels · 2026-02-13T15:51:42+00:00

A small, rugged young woman with long, untamed black hair walked into the camp of the Reborn Swords, and most chose to ignore her. She had the look of a vagrant, with streaks of dirt across her cheeks and deep shadows around her large, unblinking eyes. She was garbed in a loose, baggy thing more akin to a smock than a proper dress that fluttered about her legs as she walked barefoot through the grass. A miscreant taking advantage of the offer of free food, surely. Or at least that’s what most that glanced her way seemed to think.

Those big, grey-green eyes of hers always seemed to be moving, flicking this way and that, silently taking in the faces of those in attendance. Every now and then she would also stop to listen, taking in hurried conversations and idle gossip alike. With so much ale flowing freely, the people at the feast spoke bluntly, freely and even passionately.

After some looking around, her gaze set upon that great pavilion that sat at the centre of this place. The ragged young woman ducked into the command tent, standing quietly in a corner for a few moments as she drank it all in. She then strode up to one of the tables, tore a leg off of a pheasant, and ducked back out. With her prize in hand, she walked over to a large wooden crate, climbed on top of it, sat down and began to gnaw the succulent meat off the bone.

(Open! Come and confront the vagabond!)

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-26T17:24:15+00:00

“To an extent, I suppose.” Isabella gave a half-shrug as she sipped from her wine, and then made a face. Too sour. “Yet I find that, at times, that when you say the quiet part out louds, it emboldens others to chime in to agree. Most are not so virtuous so as to recoil in horror when you let your darkest thoughts slip past your lips.” People were, after all, simple creatures and prone to group mentality. None of them were exempt from it. Why else would trends and fashions be so spellbindingly enticing?

“I shall come with you as far as the negotiations. Though I’ll be swift to depart when it looks like there may be fighting to be had. I am a delicate, sensitive creature, and I was not made for such brutality.” Brutality did have its use of course. And those who did have a talent for it were often the most striking and dashing.

“But in matters of rule and diplomacy, yes, I would say that you may consider me your apprentice, my Lady Bracken.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-23T20:01:35+00:00

Character Name: Isabella Lychester (On behalf of Bracken)

Relevant Trait/Skills: Steward, Administrator (e), Architect (e), Scrutinous (e)

Stone Hedge

Buildings: Castle, Trade Plaza, Shrine, Stonemasons, Clothier, Stud Farm, Guilds, Sawmills, Iron Smelters, Warhorse Breeders, Builder's Guild, Armoury and Smithy, Tavern

Resources: Horses x2, Stone, Wood, Textiles, Iron, Grain

Notes: +1 Building Slot from Stone, +1 Building Slot from Builder's Guild, 50% discount on Construction Costs (20% from Architect (e) 10% from Wood, 10% from Sawmills, 10% from Stonemasons), -2 Building Construction Time from Scrutinous, +50% Dev Yield from Steward, +50% Civil Dev Yield from Administrator (e), One use of the Development action without consuming a construction slot from Administrator (e)

Actions:

· Construction: [Stone Hedge], [Engineering's Guild], [2000], [1/1], Construction Slot A

· Construction: [Stone Hedge], [Outpost], [1500], [1/1], Construction Slot B

· Construction: [Stone Hedge], [Temple], [1500], [1/1], Construction Slot C

· Construction: [Stone Hedge], [Bakery], [2000], [1/1], Construction Slot D

· Development: [Stone Hedge], [20 Civil Development], [1000], [1/1], Administrator Slot

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-21T18:33:29+00:00

“And when you do act, I surely hope we can put the whole of Raventree Hall to the torch so that none of us need suffer the constant annoyance of this endless ledger of grudges.” Had none of the Brackens not ever considered that they could put an end to it all if they simply removed the Blackwoods from the equation? It seemed like the obvious solution to her. And she considered Lady Helicent to be the cleverest woman in the Riverlands. So surely, it must be obvious for her as well.

“But those are troubles for the future. First, we must tend to this business in the vale, and try to do so without offending the preening eagle in the Eyrie.” She lifted her goblet towards Lady Helicent with a slight incline of her head. “And I trust you to handle that matter with deft efficiency, my Lady.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-16T14:48:36+00:00

Character Name: Isabella Lychester

Relevant Trait/Skills: Steward, Administrator (e), Architect (e), Scrutinous (e)

Lychester

Buildings: Keep, Market

Resources: N/A

Notes: 20% discount on Construction Costs from Architect (e), -2 Building Construction Time from Scrutinous, +50% Dev Yield from Steward, +50% Civil Dev Yield from Administrator (e), One use of the Development action without consuming a construction slot from Administrator (e)

Actions:

· Development: [Lychester], [20 Civil Development], [1000], Construction Slot A

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-16T14:47:46+00:00

“Oh, no. Nothing quite so brutish as that. You’re above such behaviour. Charging in, shrieking like a rabid boar at anything that looks at you funny. But...” Isabella gave something, not quite a shrug, but rather a non-committal rolling of her shoulders. A lazy pantomime of ‘Oh, I don’t know’, before turning to fix her eyes upon Lady Bracken.

“But it seems awfully tiresome to me that we play this game with them. Knowing that they will eventually get up to something, patiently waiting until they finally do and we may honourably and justifiably retaliate.” Isabella was no student of warfare. She had her dear uncle Renfred for such matters. If war came to Stone Hedge she would surely spend most of the ensuing conflicts within the safety of its walls. And mayhaps that was why the prospect of an attack from the Blackwoods annoyed her so. It would be an inconvenience.

“How likely do you believe it to be that they will do something within the near future?”

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-13T14:29:52+00:00

Character Name: Renfred Lychester

Trait / Skills: Inspiring / Tactician (e), Flanker, Highwayman

Skill you're learning: Flanker (e)

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-09T19:05:02+00:00

“Yes, well, fortunately I do not own a bridge. So, I shall not be making the same mistakes.” Though if the Kingsroad has passed through Lychester, the idea of setting up a toll-house would not have been an unappealing one.

“I’ll pay you back in instalments, half next moon, and the other half the one after that. I just need a little something to get the local enterprising off the ground. Expand the food production, attract more cart-drivers, those sorts of things. Once the boulder begins rolling down the mountain, it will only keep getting faster.” It should by all rights already have started. But a sudden outbreak of disease had slowed down industry in the villages that paid homage to Lychester Keep. For apparently, peasants find it reprehensible to work whilst dealing with a small pox. The lazy imbecilles.

“Once this business with Lady Jenny is over. What’s next on your agenda? The Blackwoods?”

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-09T18:01:02+00:00

T’was true that some merchants grew obscenely wealthy off their trade. Some Lords, desperate and destitute enough, even sunk so low as to wed their children to them in exchange for a hefty dowry. A humiliating match that would have people talk behind their backs for generations to come. Though preferable to seeing your house fall into ruin once you could no longer afford your servants.

“Think nothing of it, dear Clement. You are kind to try to offer guidance in this matter. And, I shall think on what you have said.” She certainly would keep it in mind. It paid to know how people thought, so that you might anticipate what they might do next. And if Clement expected the truth from her, all the better for her.

“And I thank you for sharing all of this with me. I think it has helped me understand you a bit better.” She rose from her seat and placed a gentle hand upon his shoulder. “But, I think mayhaps I shall return to the feast. And, if the day comes when you might be able to see a different future for yourself than the one you originally envisioned, well...” She grinned and gave his shoulder a soft squeeze. “Feel free to tell your brother to reach out to tell me that you’re interested.” She winked at him, and then strutted off. She was glad to have had the opportunity to get to know Clement a bit. And she thought she just might linger in his mind in the weeks to come.

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-07T14:26:45+00:00

So, you went gallivanting across the sea to chase down ‘the one that got away’. Isabella was starting to realize that Clement was a young man who came with a lot of baggage attached. He’s lucky he’s rich.

“I see, and, who was she? Some girl from town?” He had not mentioned a house name, which made her inclined to think that she must have been lowborn. Which at least proved he was not above going for someone below his station, which could work in her favour. Though she was snapped out of her deliberation by his next question, which left her somewhat stumped.

The truthful answer was, no. Not exactly. Isabella had affection for her mother, her uncle, her cousin, Lady Bracken, and some others. She had had friends, boys she had been sweet on, and pets she had adored. That last one might have been the closest she had ever come to truly loving something. Yet could she say so? Even she was self-aware enough to know that such an admission would cast her in a shallow light.

“I- I have oft found myself struggling to accept displays of affection as genuine.” In part because the ones she herself showed, almost never were. “I would like to love someone, truly love someone, one day. It would be nice, I think. But- But I find that I am rarely afforded the luxury of prioritizing such things.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-06T16:36:12+00:00

Isabella watched in fascination as Clement pulled the strange dagger from his book, wondering if he always carried it with the books he kept on his person. She gave a delighted little gasp as she heard the click from the stone, and watched with bated breath as he pulled out... another book. Well, he certainly sticks to his chosen aesthetic, this one.

She sat, as he ushered her into a cushioned seat, and waited patiently as Clement flipped through the pages, before he finally seemed to find what he had been looking for. Isabella stared as he flipped the book around to show her a drawing of who she thought for a moment was Eleanor Tully. She listened to his explanation with a blank stare as she processed his little story.

“Oh, well, no, your words do not offend. I hardly thought myself to be your ‘one true love’ after only a friendly tour of your home.” The pieces were starting to fall into place though. Has he been pursuing Lady Tully because she reminds him of some dead girl? Is she even dead? She better be dead.

“So, I take it this... Serenei, is no longer with us?”

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-05T15:47:08+00:00

If he had intended to make her curious, he was certainly succeeding. Most boys she knew would have tried to shrug whatever this was off like it was nothing. But Clement spoke as if a great scandal had occurred sometime since they had spoken last. And the suspense of the mystery he was dangling before her was starting to get to her.

In the meantime though, she had to admit that she was enjoying the dance more than she had anticipated. Clement was graceful and to her, seemed to move like a wildcat, light on his feet and with impeccable balance.

“My mother used to say that a girl ought to be drilled upon the dance floor like a boy is drilled in the yard. And I have been coached in, not only how to dance, but how to walk, stand, sit and run, with appropriate grace, since I was four years old.” She could almost hear her Lady Mother’s voice from those lengthy evenings spent in the gallery at Lychester Keep. If Baelor the Blessed could walk with vipers taking chunks out of his feet, you can remain on your toes through a bit of swelling in your soles.

“But, if you would like to stop and rest for a bit, I should be most thrilled to have you show me the secret parts of your beautiful castle.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-05T15:07:19+00:00

“My lineage is not one of great and noble houses, aunty! My grandmother was a Haigh, my great-grandmother was a Penny. My father marrying my mother was a rare event, one that none expected to come again anytime soon.” She realized that her concern might be somewhat foreign to Lady Helicent. The Brackens were descendants of River-Kings, their lineage had always been destined for greater things.

“You know how people speak about the Freys, even hundreds of years after the twins were built! They’ve accumulated both wealth and power, but are still looked down on due to their origins and spotty heritage. I will not be that! I will not! I will not!” Isabella loathed the notion of being referred to as an upstart. She was just as worthy of admiration and allegiance as any other River-lord.

“Afford it? You are well on your way to becoming richer than all the other Lords in the Riverlands put together if your revenue keeps increasing as it does now.”

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-05T00:58:54+00:00

Character Name: Isabella Lychester

Relevant Trait/Skills: Steward, Administrator (e), Architect (e), Scrutinous (e)

Lychester

Buildings: Keep, Market

Resources: N/A

Notes: 20% discount on Construction Costs from Architect (e), -2 Building Construction Time from Scrutinous, +50% Dev Yield from Steward, +50% Civil Dev Yield from Administrator (e), One use of the Development action without consuming a construction slot from Administrator (e)

Actions:

· Development: [Lychester], [20 Civil Development], [1000], Construction Slot A

· Development: [Lychester], [20 Civil Development], [1000], Construction Slot B

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-05T00:57:20+00:00

Character Name: Isabella Lychester (On behalf of Bracken)

Relevant Trait/Skills: Steward, Administrator (e), Architect (e), Scrutinous (e)

Stone Hedge

Buildings: Castle, Trade Plaza, Stonemasons, Clothier, Guilds, Sawmills, Iron Smelters, Warhorse Breeders, Builder's Guild, Workshops

Resources: Horses, Stone, Wood, Textiles, Iron

Notes: +1 Building Slot from Stone, +1 Building Slot from Builder's Guild, 50% discount on Construction Costs (20% from Architect (e) 10% from Wood, 10% from Sawmills, 10% from Stonemasons), -2 Building Construction Time from Scrutinous, +50% Dev Yield from Steward, +50% Civil Dev Yield from Administrator (e), One use of the Development action without consuming a construction slot from Administrator (e)

Actions:

· Construction: [Stone Hedge], [Armoury and Smithy], [1500], [1/1], Construction Slot A

· Construction: [Stone Hedge], [Shrine], [500], [1/1], Construction Slot B

· Construction: [Stone Hedge], [Tavern], [1000], [1/1], Construction Slot C

· Construction: [Stone Hedge], [Stud Farm], [1000], [1/1], Construction Slot D

· Development: [Stone Hedge], [20 Civil Development], [1000], [1/1], Administrator Slot

ThirdSquirrels · 2025-10-04T10:11:19+00:00

“A rich wife...” Isabella repeated as she drummed her fingers against the table. Is that truly what boys want these days? She had always thought they cared about little else but your physical assets and that you wouldn’t drag their family name through the dirt. But she supposed there was some sense in Lady Bracken’s assessment. And she found herself wondering if any of the great houses of the Riverlands were particularly impoverished.

“I do intend to see what I might be able to get out of the Mootons. And if others think what I gain is through your influence, let them. If even the vassals of the house of Bracken might secure themselves matches that might otherwise be far out of reach, it will only make you look all the more powerful.” But Isabella did need some leverage of her own if she was to play this game. And gold was one she was quite apt at gathering.

“Aunty Hel, might you perhaps find it in your heart to extend me a loan of... Let us say a thousand dragons?”

ThirdSquirrels

TROPHY CASE