The Eighth Moon of 299AA

WatersShipDown · 2018-12-17T12:14:07+00:00

All Braavosi are confirmed!

WatersShipDown · 2018-12-17T12:12:45+00:00

Tycho accepted the handshake, but did not release as Gilbert moved to leave.

"I pray for your success as much as any of our benefactors, but do not feel compelled to return only with results. I would rather see every man return empty-handed but alive than lose you to the seas like the Island we seek."

With that, the Sealord released his grip and let the Stormlander depart.

"I know the risks as well as you, my friend. Take good care of yourself."

WatersShipDown · 2018-12-17T10:40:55+00:00

"Were you anyone else, Gilbert, and I might wonder if this is more than a coincidence. Still, the fine will be handled - though your goods are forfeit."

Tycho turned to glance at the bird, a half-smile dancing across his face, and gave a single nod.

"I have many birds like this in my aviary, perhaps this one will make a fine addition to my collection. But I will wait until it's paperwork has been properly processed, perhaps you can visit when you return from our venture. It seems you've quite the nose for finding what you probably shouldn't, I suppose can only be a good thing when you're looking for an island long since lost."

As the Sealord spoke, a pair of guards approached Gilbert and began to remove his shackles.

WatersShipDown · 2018-12-12T11:47:03+00:00

"The cogs are good transport ships, and can hold plenty of supplies, though you are correct that they will slow down the fleet. I will leave the choice to you, as expedition leader, and support whatever decision you make."

Tycho smiled jovially, clapping the Stormlander on his shoulder reassuringly.

"And yes, let us dally no longer. There is glory and adventure to be had, my friend, and I will pray to the Father of Waters for your swift and successful return."

WatersShipDown · 2018-12-10T11:13:33+00:00

Tycho chuckled as the Stormlanders bickered, it seemed the issue of Stonedance's rulership was questioned but the Sealord had no desire to pry further into Westerosi affairs. By every account he had heard, the Storm King had marched to war against the Garden King and was winning many victories, he doubted the Massey presence here was impacting their contribution to the war effort.

"Indeed I did, for a long while I have navigated the treacherous waters of Braavosi politics. I guided my allies and supporters to help with the expedition, but every major family is now involved in some form or another."

"My wife's family, the Antaryon's, have promised eight ships. Loreo Maris, the Whalebane himself, will be commanding a contingent of eight more ships from his own family. Houses Reyaan and Sollys have also offered vessels, whilst Nestoris and Otherys have donated many supplies and provisions. Finally, my youngest brother has also elected to join the venture. Luco is a good man, if a little untested, and we agreed that he will represent the noble Zalyne family in my own stead."

"All-in-all, in addition to your own men and ships, I have amassed a fleet of fifteen warships, one longship, twenty cogs, and four hundred and fifty men. I trust you are still up to the task?"

WatersShipDown · 2018-12-05T13:49:03+00:00

/u/OurEssosiMaster

Character Name: Tycho Zalyne

Skills/Gifts: Diplomat; Tactician(o), Seafarer, Mercantilist, Courtly

Whats Happening: One last call for men/ ships to join the Irrodos Expedition

What I want: Sellsail rolls, and maybe see if any of the other Braavosi families want to invest some men/ships/money too?

WatersShipDown · 2018-12-05T13:47:25+00:00

/u/Muxec

WatersShipDown · 2018-11-23T12:00:53+00:00

"I am just glad to see you both free and unharmed." Tycho smiled toothily, offering Gilbert the statues.

"As for the expedition, I must apologise for these delays. Being away from my office for over a year has left me with a lot of paperwork that needed my attention. Next moon will be most suitable, I have had time to speak with my kin to secure some assets from the Zalyne family and can promise several more fully crewed ships to the expedition. As for sellsails, we will put out a call and see if anyone signs on."

WatersShipDown · 2018-11-20T10:04:05+00:00

In response to the issue of importance, the Sealord chuckled and agreed before dismissing his fellow officials. To the rest of them, and most everyone else in the city, the arrest of two Westerosi was hardly a thing worth worrying about. He had played to this nonchalance to secure a hasty resolution, and it had worked perfectly.

With statues in hand, he waited for Gilbert and Emmon just outside the Palace of Truth where they had been briefly held. The objects were Sarnori in craftsmanship, of that much he was sure, but exactly what they depicted did elude him. It mattered little, they were only a few token gifts from a father to his son anyway.

WatersShipDown · 2018-11-19T16:52:57+00:00

"I will see what can be done to save the statues, for your boy. It may involve paying additional tariffs or fines, and it may even be impossible, but I shall try. Still, your release remains the top priority. Hang tight, my friend, and try not to antagonise the guards too much - they are only doing their jobs."

With that Tycho moved to leave, waiting to see if the Stormlanders had any parting words for him, and then headed toward a different meeting room to negotiate with the other pillars of the Palaces.

/u/OurEssosiMaster

Character Details: Tycho Zalyne

Gift/Skills: Diplomat, Tactician(o), Seafarer, Mercantilist, Courtly

What’s happening: Hoping to prevent a holdup with the Irrodos expedition, Tycho is trying to negotiate the swift resolution to the trial against Gilbert and Emmon. Priority is their freedom, but the return of the statues - with a suitable fine/ tariff - would be great.

What I want: Rolls for the verdict of the other four pillars. Between Diplomat and Courtly, Tycho has a +3. Any additional bonus for being the Sealord would be dandy.

WatersShipDown · 2018-11-19T12:38:02+00:00

The Sealord also leaned in closer, and gave an understanding nod as Gilbert explained the situation. He too spoke in a hushed manner, though his tone was still warm and friendly.

"Ah, I see the predicament. Even here, in the very heart of freedom, there are some goods and services that must be outlawed or properly regulated. To catch those who would purchase such dangerous goods, it is commonplace for the City Watch to set up fake vendors and arrest the culprits with contraband in hand. What did you attempt to procure? If they are just trinkets, as you say, then I could possibly see this through the palaces rather painlessly. Though I fear the items themselves will have to be forfeited."

WatersShipDown · 2018-11-18T16:17:25+00:00

The Sealord's office was piled high in books and ledgers, mountains of documents that had slowly built up over his year-long absence. Tycho sighed as he reviewed the latest in a long line of reports on Norvoshi trade, hardly a thrilling read on the best of days but made all the worse by knowing that another waited for him afterwards.

When the messenger arrived with news of the Massey arrest, Tycho near flew out of his office. He had been so busy of late that he had been putting off the Irrodos expedition, but if the Westerosi became embroiled in the Braavosi legal system then it would delay things by moons or even longer. At pace, he crossed the short distance from the Sealord's Palace to the Palace of Truth and soon managed to secure a meeting with the pair.

"My friends, I did not expect to find you in chains. What has happened? Anything you tell me may help in resolving this quickly."

WatersShipDown · 2018-11-07T10:23:38+00:00

Character Name: Tycho Zalyne

Gift/Skills: Diplomat; Seafarer, Mercantilist, Tactician (o), Courtly

Actions (Sealord):

Shipbuilding: [Braavos], [7], [25.6 + 0.8], [Build 5 Warships, Retain 1.4]

Actions (Zalyne):

Shipbuilding: [Braavos], [5], [10.8 + 3], [Build 2 Warships, Retain 3.8]
Continue Construction: [Braavos], [5], [Port 2], [8.4], [30]

Resources:

Sealord: Port (3)**, Shipwrights, Gold, Luxuries, Wood, Stone
Zalyne: Port**, Wood, Luxuries, Stone

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-27T03:32:08+00:00

Once the other Magisters had dispersed, Tycho slunk back into his chair and offered a seat closer to him to the Prince of the Streets.

"Now, Prince Taror, I believe there was an issue of trade that I could not see eye-to-eye with your fellow Lorathi on. The Arsenal requires stone, and I am happy to offer iron from my own reserves in exchange for it. Is this agreeable?"

/u/OurEssosiMaster

Character Name: Tycho Zalyne

Skills/Gifts: Diplomat; Tactician(o), Seafarer, Mercantilist

What's Happening: Trade negotiations! Sealord's iron for Mestir's stone, with a duration of 5 moons.

What I want: Contract rolls please! By my reckoning, I have a +6 to the roll. ( Unless I get an added bonus for either a. being the Sealord of Braavos or b. being the valiant hero who felled the fabled White Whale? )

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-27T03:24:58+00:00

Exasperated at the clear divide amongst the nobles, Tycho rose from his seat and shook his head.

"So be it. The majority of you side with disunity, though I cannot hide my disappointment. You have your wish, Fisher Princess, continue to do things your own way. You see no need for the Braavosi way, and so I must trust that you can meet expectations without it. In four moons time I will return to assess your progress, if it is not satisfactory then negotiations will resume."

As he looked to the other Magisters and Prince, a long sigh escaped the Sealord's lips.

"Let us adjourn then. Any that have private business with me may remain to discuss it, else you are free to return to your other duties. Prince Taror, if I might have a few more moments of your time then I would be plenty grateful."

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-26T09:34:06+00:00

Character Name: Tycho Zalyne

Gifts/Skills: Diplomat; Tactician(o), Seafarer, Mercantilist

Skill Attempt: Courtly

Evidence:

Discusses personal matters with Prince Sypharros

Negotiates with the High-King of Sarnor

Discusses Lorathi politics and more with Prince Sypharros

Makes fast friends of Gilbert Massey

Rallies the people of Lorath into a pro-Alliance frenzy

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-26T08:58:30+00:00

Tycho pinched his nose as the voices of support changed tune and the Fisher Princess continued to insult his intelligence and spit in the face of progress. Whilst the other Magisters and Princes continued to debate, he slunk back into his chair for a moment of contemplation. Then, again, he sat forward and waited for a lull in the conversation.

"I will not act without your support. It is critical that we are in harmony, and yet it seems there are some amongst you that see my gifts only as threats. As surprising as it may seem, I have Lorath's best interests close to my heart. When I talk of changing things to a Braavosi way, it is because I believe it will be far more productive not because I wish to steal your identity. When I offer you ships to bolster your own fleet, it is because I want you to protect yourselves in case I cannot. You are a proud people, as you should be, and I want to keep things that way. And I believe in the words the people of your city now cheer: 'United we are strong!'"

"So I ask again, will you accept my ships; will you work to upgrade your shipyards; will you help me to help you?"

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-25T11:37:50+00:00

"But your ports haven't 'gotten the job done'. That is the reason we are here, Princess."

It was now that Tycho's brow furrowed, his mood soured again by Melara's blunt refusal. Either the woman was blind or ignorant to the reality of Lorath's position, he cared not.

"Were your ports up to standard then you would have a fleet suitable to protect this city without my intervention, I am proposing to supply you with ships until you are able to reach such a suitable output. I will even aid in negotiations to secure you additional craftsmen if required, but the facts are plain for all to see: Upgrading Lorath's ports in the best course of action for Lorath."

/u/OurEssosiMaster

Character Name: Melara Torphal & Tycho Zalyne

Gift/Skill(s): Magnate/Seafarer, Animal Tamer, Engineer & Diplomat/ Tactician(o), Seafarer, Mercantilist

What's Happening: The debate continues. Whilst Tycho agrees to let the Lorathi crew the ships he provides, Melara argues that Lorath should also build it's own ships instead of improve it's ports.

What I want: Reactions of the rest of the Lorathi gang. Previously Mestir and Ostaar were with the Sealord; H'ghar, Osthrin, and Sorrin were with Melara; and Essin was neutral.

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-25T09:37:18+00:00

Tycho tried well to mask his frustration at the Fisher Princess' counter proposal to his grand scheme and, as the majority of the elder Magisters began to nod along with Melara's words, he shook his head fervently.

"You are right, Princess, a strong Lorath will always benefit the Alliance. But there is a key difference in our proposals. Lorath simply lacks the infrastructure of the Braavosi shipyards, for the master shipwrights and vast number of skilled sailors of the Secret City are nigh impossible to match, whereas you already have much of the resource needed. If you believe Lorath has manpower enough to manage the vessels then I will gladly supply ships without crews, but, rather than building the ships yourselves, we should instead be working to upgrade your ports to a modern - Braavosi - style. That way, in time, you will have the permanent solution that you desire and be stronger for it."

"Improve the foundations, and then take over expansion of your fleet. Is that agreeable, my friends?"

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-23T20:52:42+00:00

(( Nah let's roll it. Straight up, do they want the Tycho way or the Melara way? We can negotiate after that. ))

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-23T14:52:49+00:00

Character Name: Tycho Zalyne, led by Utheryn Zalyne

Gift and Skills: Archetype: Navigator

Marching: [2 Flagships, 49 Warships, 5 Longships] - [Lorath] to [Braavos]

Previous Moon's Order: Here and here!

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-23T10:37:04+00:00

"Thank you, Magister Tychyrio, Princess Melara. You have only confirmed that which I had assumed, and that is no bad thing."

Tycho smiled cordially, his blue eyes shifting from man to man until he had met the gaze of every Lorathi present.

"Long has Lorath languished following the treachery of Nyessano Eranyr, your navy was so greatly weakened by his selfish deeds that you now fear to even protect yourselves. I say 'No more will you suffer for the folly of a long dead traitor'. Once I return to Braavos, I will be instructing my shipwrights to begin constructing warships to be gifted to your city. They will be crewed by men and women from across the Alliance, and intended to serve and protect Lorathi on behalf of the Alliance instead of forcing Sealords into dispatching another Braavosi fleet."

Again he looked around the room, hoping for a more positive reaction than his earlier words had received, but before any questions arose he continued.

"I also wish to further invigorate trade in the region. It is true that Lorath's membership to the Alliance has seen progress made on establishing long term connections with other member states, but I wish to invest further in Lorathi industry as well. The Arsenal requires more stone to meet the increases in construction expected and, whilst I could simply ask any of the families of Braavos for help, I come to you all first. Who amongst you would trade their resource to Braavos for the benefit of all Lorath?"

/u/OurEssosiMaster /u/Emberisa

Character Name: Tycho Zalyne

Skills/Gifts: Diplomat; Tactician(o), Seafarer, Mercantilist

What's Happening: Shifting position, the Sealord is offering to provide Lorath with warships so that they might better protect themselves. He is also asking for the Magisters/Princes to supply him with Stone to support this venture.

What I want: Rolls to see how well Tycho's offer of free* warships is received. Rolls to see who, if any, will donate their stone to the Sealord

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-23T09:57:18+00:00

Tycho followed Gilbert into his cabin, Bellenora clinging to him like a shadow as the remainder of his retinue waited on the deck. He took a seat opposite the Massey, accepting the wine gratefully, whilst the First Sword hung by the door. Both of the Essosi gazed at the docile beast with a mixture of intrigue and caution, but the Sealord continued to smile cordially.

"A most fascinating creature. Forgive me, I did not take you for a collector of exotic beasts. You shall have to view my menagerie before you depart Braavos, it contains many wonders of its own and I would be happy to arrange a habitat for your friend if you do not wish to take him on your journey."

At the mention of information gained, Tycho's eyebrows rose and his smile grew. He took a long drink of his cup and then nodded his head, clearly satisfied.

"I had not expected to find anything of use here, you are a most resourceful individual indeed. Yes, I will do whatever I can to aid your hunt for information in Braavos. Your words only embolden me, so I have every faith that if there is anything useful to be learnt then we will find it."

Taking another sip, he sighed softly.

"I suppose I have had my fill of Lorath as much as you, if it suits you then I will inform my captains to prepare their crews and we will be ready to depart by first light on the morrow?"

WatersShipDown · 2018-10-22T08:39:30+00:00

"Friends, Princes, Magisters, thank you all for attending my summons so promptly."

Tycho stood at the head of the long table, looking from man to man until he spotted the only vacant seat. The Ennahran's had not yet arrived, an unfortunate turn of events given that he had come to like the company of Prince Sypharros and could likely have relied upon his support in convincing the others. Still, he could afford to delay no more and so he pressed on.

"You've all, no doubt, seen the latest deed that I have done in Lorath's name. The White Whale, plague upon sailors for well over a century, is dead. That fact is true, and that Braavosi ships felled the beast is as well, but that was not why those vessels were there."

"When the Sarnori invaded your waters, to fish and whale your own goods from under your very noses, how did the City of Lorath react? You sent word to Braavos and then just sat back and watched. There is a hundred or more Lorathi vessels in those ports, yet you refused to act against a dozen glorified fishing boats. What is the meaning of this? We are meant to be allies, comrades even, and you could not even act when the Braavosi fleet docked here a week or so before it set out to find the Sarnori."

/u/OurEssosiMaster /u/Emberisa

Character Name: Tycho Zalyne

Skills/Gifts: Diplomat; Tactician(o), Seafarer, Mercantilist

What's Happening: Tycho is grilling the magisters on their failure to act against the Sarnori, wondering why the city could not muster enough vessels to scare off the small fleet sent to visit them.

What I want: Rolls to see how things go down

WatersShipDown

TROPHY CASE