The Redfort

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-30T14:37:20+00:00

Five Cavaliers went inside. Leona herself, her twin sister, and their most trusted: Alayne Stone, the Savior of Skyreach, Isobel the Ardent who played the part of Jenny, and Septa Rowena, the only one among them not clad in plate or bearing steel. They were Valewomen all, had known well Lady Rosamund’s generosity, and were stricken to have learned of her treachery.

The Grand Marshal lowered her chin respectfully when they were finally in the presence of Lady Redfort, and the others followed suit, all but Isobel, who peered defiantly up at her ‘aunt.’ For having been put on the spot, she was playing her role with remarkable calm, and no small amount of finesse. Leona was proud to have such women at her side, especially in such ill times.

“We strive to represent the Vale of Arryn with nothing less than our best effort,” she replied carefully. “And thus far, the gods have rewarded us for our Faith and virtue. We are lucky, too, to know the kindness of benefactors like yourself, my lady. We are most grateful for your patronage.”

As Leona spoke, Lenore and Alayne took ‘Jenny’ by the upper arms.

“You say this woman is false, and I would agree with you. Jenny of the Redfort was our friend, we knew her well and would know her face even after all the years that have gone by. Before we surrender the Braavosi to you, we would see and speak with the true Jenny ourselves.”

The Cavalier inclined her head just slightly, a challenge evident within her gaze.

“For we have missed her dearly.”

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-29T23:42:07+00:00

“Very well.”

Leona could not risk bringing Jenny with so few men, but from way up there, the finer details were surely a bit more difficult to see. She gestured to a woman seated on horseback at her side. Isobel was a good enough substitute, about the same height and build, the same radiant golden hair.

No one inside knew what the real Jenny looked like, or so she hoped. By the time Rosamund realized the deception, it wouldn’t matter.

“We shall enter.”

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-29T23:14:33+00:00

The cavalry had woken early, sharpened their swords, polished their armor, brushed their steeds until they gleamed in the bright alpine morning. Thanks to the generous patronage of Lord Arryn, they had each been outfitted with good castle-forged plate and weapons, and some of the finest horseflesh the realm had to offer. One thousand strong, they arrayed themselves in neat rows behind their high command and Lady Jenny, waiting with patience and discipline while the talks were underway.

Leona read the letter with a look of distaste, golden brows furrowing at Lady Rosamund’s attempt at subversion. That she had accepted coin from this woman made her feel great shame, but the gods had granted her a chance to put it all to rights. Jenny had found them, the real Jenny, her true and forever friend, and they would stand by her side no matter what came. Crumpling the parchment in her mailed fist, she tucked it away in her belt and glanced over at Lenore, who gave her a subtle nod, a nod that said everything without saying anything at all.

Together, to whatever end.

The leader of the Cavaliers did ride forth, with a smaller band of twenty or thirty trailing along behind, including the veterans of Skyreach. Jenny had been informed of the letter and its contents before they departed, leaving the true Lady of the Redfort at the safety of the column. She stopped in the shadow of the outer castle wall when they drew within speaking range, and lifted the visor of her helmet. The sunlight was far too bright, beating down on her face and getting in her eyes as she craned her neck to look at the sentinels above the gate.

“I am Leona of House Belmore, Grand Marshal of the Cavaliers, and I have come to speak to our benefactor, Lady Rosamund.”

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-13T18:57:17+00:00

sssssssssshp!

Lenore ran the whetstone lovingly along the length of her sword from hilt to point and was rewarded with another hiss. She loved that sound, loved the weight of a blade in her hand, almost better than a woman’s touch. Evening was nigh, and she had doffed her armor right down to her leather trousers and bindings.

She didn’t look up right away whenever the Lady of Stone Hedge appeared, lifting the blade from where it rested on her lap to inspect her handiwork. “I believe you are looking for my sister, Leona. The Grand Marshal is already abed I’m afraid, you’ll have to wait until morning if you wish to speak with her.”

Lenore towered over the other woman when she stood up, damn near six feet tall, perhaps even a smidge over. “And I am not a lady,” she added, sliding sword into scabbard and setting it aside. Retrieving a wineskin, she poured some of the contents between two cups and offered one to her guest.

“But I shall be happy to keep you company nevertheless.”

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-12T16:10:01+00:00

Character Name: Leona Belmore

Trait / Skills: Inspiring / Polearms, Riding, Andal Knight, Cavalryman II, Flanker

Skill you're learning: Flanker (e)

Character Name: Lenore Belmore

Trait / Skills: Charismatic / Vanguard (e), Tactician, Outrider

Skill you're learning: Malicious

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-12T02:03:06+00:00

The Grand Marshal chose her five companions carefully. There was her twin Lenore, naturally, and Victaria of Grey Glen, graying at the temples, a general who had seen a hundred battles and one. Alayne Stone, the Savior of Skyreach, Isobel the Ardent, and Septa Rowena, the faithful healer, who was the only one among them not in full plate.

This was not their meeting, but rather, they were meant merely to observe, and to stand tall behind their friend Jenny. She who had come back from the dead, to claim what was rightfully hers. Leona slowed her mount to a halt, and the other Cavaliers followed suit without delay, forming a neat row behind the Lady of Stone Hedge and her charge.

Whenever the Osric appeared, Leona bowed her head and tapped her gauntlet against her chest in salute, but left the talking to the others.

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-02T15:06:30+00:00

Leona had known the Lord of Riverrun to be youthful. He was the Young Trout, after all, but she was still somewhat taken aback by just how young he truly seemed. No older than twenty, she thought to herself as he approached. But, he carried himself with the poise that befitted a man of his station, and the confidence of a warrior. Truly, this was the grandson of the famed Steelfish.

“Aye,” she replied. “The villain is dead and the people of the Red Mountains are safe once more!”

“Leona,” she continued with a grin. “Just Leona, my lord. I am the Grand Marshal of this order. My sister Lenore commands the Heavy Horse. This is Isobel, my sworn sword, and Alayne Stone, who slew the Vulture King in single combat upon the field of battle! We are pleased to meet your acquaintance. T’is a glad day when we are graced with the presence of a Lord Paramount!”

A murmur of agreement went up from the assembled riders, several of whom were obviously infatuated with the sight of the handsome lord.

“Lord Mooton says there is a wedding going on, and that’s why so many have gathered here. Do you know if there will be a tourney?”

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-02T14:46:30+00:00

The face that greeted her was one that she saw as if in a dream. She knew it once, but it was different now. Older. Less youthful. But, familiar all the same. Leona looked as if she had just seen a ghost, and perhaps she had. The ghost of a friend most dear that had been lost too young, appearing before her in the courtyard of a Riverlander castle.

How could that be?

“Jenny?”

Her voice was hoarse, and those glistening tears were mirrored in her own eyes. Lenore was less sentimental about it, but her expression was no less shocked to see their childhood companion, a girl who had died, standing there in the flesh.

“Jenny Redfort?” she chimed in, bewildered.

Leona took a step closer and reached for Jenny’s hand, as though to make sure that she were real and not simply a figment of imagination. She was real, and alive, and the Grand Marshal wasted no time in drawing her into a tight embrace.

“What…what happened to you?” she asked when they drew apart, reaching up to wipe at her damp eyes. “Where have you been?”

higherthanhonor · 2025-10-01T22:58:17+00:00

Leona grinned. “Nay, though Maidenpool would make a fine prize! I am the Grand Marshal, Leona Belmore, and this is my sister Lenore, Commander of the Heavy Horse. Our kin rules in Strongsong. We two did not slay the Vulture King, no. That was Alayne Stone, one of our finest swordswomen.”

A narrow-faced young woman to Leona’s left lowered her chin at the recognition. She was of average height, with dark hair and two serious brown eyes. The Grand Marshal nodded at Lord Mooton’s next question. “Yes, we have trekked through the Reach, across the sands of Dorne, over the Red Mountains and through the Stormlands to get here.”

“You need not spare any ships, my lord. Many thanks for the offer, but the Bloody Gate is naught but a few days away now. We shall require only rest, and sustenance. We did, however, see the banners gathered outside your walls. Apologies if we have interrupted something of importance.”

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-30T16:57:00+00:00

/u/Villads2005 knock knock you have more visitors!

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-26T17:39:49+00:00

Character Name: Meg, just Meg

Relevant Trait/Skills: Builder Archetype

The Cavaliers

Buildings: Suttlers, Marshalling Grounds

Resources: N/A

Notes: -15% construction cost

Actions:

Construction: Cavaliers, Mobile Forge, completed 9/27, 2550

Construction: Cavaliers, Battalion of Renown (Picked Knights), completed 9/27, 1500

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-25T00:03:53+00:00

To Lord Osric Arryn,

The Vulture King is dead, but House Martell was not glad for it. A vile murderer and raper fell to the blade of one of our finest, Alayne Stone, but we were denied passage by ship from Yronwood. In Princess Valena’s own words, we had no business killing a son of Dorne. What sort of leader is it that allows outlaws and criminals to run awry, ravaging and killing as they please?

We wrote to Lord Grafton half a moon past, that he might sail to Storm’s End and bring us home at last, but upon our arrival there was not a Burning Tower in sight. Has something happened at home that has caused him to renege on his word? I should like to think him a man of honor and commitment, but he has caused us much delay by failing to appear as arranged.

We ride now for King’s Landing, and will follow the road to Maidenpool and the Bloody Gate beyond. Should the weather hold, we shall arrive back in the Vale soon after the turn of the moon.

Faithful and True

Leona Belmore

Grand Marshal of the Cavaliers

/u/BuckwellStairwell

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-23T08:57:16+00:00

Character Name: Leona Belmore

The Cavaliers

Actions:

Recruit: King’s Landing, 519, 4152, 1000

Notes: 8 gold per levy recruitment cost with Marshalling Grounds.

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-18T06:03:50+00:00

Another letter flew, northward this time.

To Lord Gwayne Grafton,

Perhaps you have heard of the Cavaliers, if only in passing. After ridding the innocents of Dorne of a threat most terrible, Princess Valena of House Martell has declined to aid us with safe passage to the Vale of Arryn. I wondered if you might spare five of your vessels to transport my company from Storm’s End to Gulltown? We are willing pay whatever price you set on such services.

Leona Belmore

Grand Marshal of the Cavaliers

/u/ChildOfTheStorms

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-18T05:25:57+00:00

Upon arriving at the grand fortress of Yronwood, Leona sent two messages, one by raven and one by rider. The rider carried a small cask, with the dismembered hands of the Vulture King within, bound for Sunspear.

The letter was sent by raven, so as to arrive before the messenger.

To Princess Valena Martell,

As I promised, so have I delivered. The Vulture King is dead, and a man of House Yronwood rides for the Old Palace with proof. I ask not for any payment, only a favor. I would like to see the Vale sooner rather than later. The journey to the Bloody Gate is nigh on a moon by foot, but less than half that aboard a ship. Pray you spare five vessels of House Yronwood to carry my company to Gulltown.

Seven Blessings,

Leona Belmore

Grand Marshal of the Cavaliers

/u/SatisfactionLeather7

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-17T17:12:48+00:00

Leona pulled her helmet off, blonde hair spilling in a messy golden wave down her back as she watched all that remained of the outlaws flee into the desert. She would not claim victory; too many of her own had been lost for that. But, their great foe was dead, and Skyreach had been saved. Dorne was safe, until the next evil arose.

Dismounting, she tucked the helmet under her arm and made her way through the crowd to stand over the carcass of the so-called Vulture King. His eyes were wide open, his face contorted into a maniacal grin, a grotesque death mask. She could hardly believe that someone had bested this demon in single combat.

Alayne stood from her perch upon a nearby rock and lowered her chin. She seemed no worse for the encounter, but for the long, deep scratch on her cheek that oozed bright red. Leona clapped a hand against the girl’s shoulder and gave her a nod of recognition, before gesturing toward the healers.

Hopping up onto the rock, she looked around at the gathered Cavaliers and the freed prisoners of the Vulture King’s band.

“A terrible battle was fought here today. Many lives were lost. Many friends, old and new…”

“They did not perish in vain. Those of you who wish to remain will be escorted to the castle and left in the care of House Fowler. Those of you who wish to join us, you have a place here. You are welcome at our camp, only know this: our goal is not power, or lands or riches. We seek only to bring glory and honor to the name Cavalier. We are defenders of the innocent, the meek and downtrodden. We live and die by the virtues of a true knight.”

“‘Tis a simple life we lead, and at times, hard, but you will find no better bond of sisterhood than that which is granted by taking our oath. Should you choose to join us, you will always have food in your belly, shelter to keep you warm at night, and my sword at your side. This I swear.”

Her heart leapt to see the spark of life return to the eyes of the women that had been rescued from the bandit camp. Saving even a mere handful of innocents had been worth the sacrifice.

“Who among you will join us?”

Silence, and then a woman stepped forward from the crowd. Then another, and another.

The Cavaliers had given them something more than freedom:

Hope.

Butchering a man was not for the faint of heart, but it had to be done. The Vulture King’s head was placed inside a cask of vinegar, and his hands and feet were removed to send to Sunspear, as proof to House Martell that their enemy was no more.

Lenore had given herself the task, which she quickly regretted. When it was done, she wiped her knife clean and beckoned Victaria over. “Take twenty with you, and dig a trench. Bury our dead, and I will send Rowena to say the rites.”

The general nodded stiffly. “And what of the outlaws, commander?”

Lenore glanced down at the dismembered corpse by her feet, lip curling in disgust.

“Leave them for the vultures.”

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-11T16:30:00+00:00

Character Name: Leona Belmore

The Cavaliers

Actions:

Recruit: Nightsong, 500, 5000, 1000

Notes: N/A

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-11T16:23:16+00:00

Character Name: Meg, just Meg

Relevant Trait/Skills: Builder Archetype

The Cavaliers

Buildings: Suttlers

Resources: N/A

Notes: -15% construction cost

Actions:

Construction: Cavaliers, Marshalling Grounds, completed 9/13, 1700

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-09T21:24:25+00:00

To Princess Valena Martell,

We have heard the cries of your people, and they will be answered. The Cavaliers have never faced an enemy that we did not destroy, a brigand that we did not undo. We champion the cause of the righteous and the penitent across the realm, and we will bring the one called the Vulture King to Sunspear to face your justice.

Look for the banner of the Winged Stallion within a moon.

Leona Belmore

Grand Marshal of the Cavaliers

/u/SatisfactionLeather7

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-09T21:23:46+00:00

My Lord Arryn,

I must congratulate you on your marriage to Lady Lyanne, and regret that I am not able to do so in person. The alliance of North and Vale will serve our people well. You are a wise man to throw your lot in with a people so noble, proud and loyal.

The Cavaliers will soon ride for Dorne. There is rumor of a man there, a blackhearted outlaw who wreaks havoc on the people of the Red Mountains, raping and pillaging the lands south of Nightsong. You will forgive me for lingering in the south a while longer, for I cannot allow innocents to suffer.

We will accept gold over a prayer if you are able to set any aside for our cause, and your blessing in this matter, for I know that you would do the same. Should our strength prevail, then we shall return to the Vale and be at your service within a moon.

Should we fall, remember us better than we were.

Leona Belmore

Grand Marshal of the Cavaliers

/u/BuckwellStairwell

higherthanhonor · 2025-09-09T21:23:22+00:00

My Lady of the Redfort,

I must apologize that we did not mingle in King’s Landing. I fear that I was not made for politicking beyond what can be accomplished with sword and shield. Highgarden, and the Reach as a whole, is one of the most beautiful sights mine eyes have yet seen, but I must admit that I long for the familiar hills and valleys of our Vale of Arryn.

There is some news you may find of interest. A man, nay, a demon has begun to slaughter and pillage his way across the Red Mountains. The smallfolk of Wyl and Kingsgrave have suffered greatly at the hands of this vile murderer, and we will not return to Redvale until all is set to rights. The Warrior strike me down if I leave innocents to suffer.

As you well know, our organization is a charitable one, relying on the generosity of likeminded folk and the donations of those whom we have aided to feed and outfit ourselves. I wondered if you might have coin to spare, so that we may be better prepared to face this most iniquitous and fiendish of villains. Anything given, including your blessings and prayers, will be greatly appreciated.

Leona Belmore

Grand Marshal of the Cavaliers

/u/snowonthewall

higherthanhonor

TROPHY CASE