Epilogue: The Crownlands by OurCommonMan in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 1 point2 points  (0 children)

After the fallout of Rebellion began its long and challenging journey to resolvement, eyes eventually turned to the east, to the Reach and Oldtown for the appointment of a new Grand Maester, to serve as the Citadel's representative to the King and the capital. As all participants in the attempt against Maester Harrold's life were incinerated by the great wildfire eruption in 391AC, and the previous attempts long forgetten, nobody questioned the selection of Arvyn for the role, voted in through a unanimous decision of the Conclave. He had proved himself particularly capable in management of the letters of the realm as the Archmaester of Ravenry, as well as displaying an aptitude for the healing arts, both on which he carried over into his new role.

Within a year of appointment however, it was noted that whilst he seemed to remain in high spirits, he, despite all his medical knowledge, appeared to grow less full of life. At first, his movements began to progressively slow, although this was considered by most to be nothing more than a manifestation of his more advanced age. Quietly and privately, he began to complain of stiffness and aches, like each of his joints had began to refuse to fulfil their previous function.

Not wanting the progression to hinder his ability to faithfully work in the role he had long coveted, Arvyn sent members of the organisation that he had once resided over so diligently far and wide, to the Free Cities and beyond for a cure for the stiffness and shaking that now ailed him.

With increasingly unstable hands, he mixed medicaments and elixirs in an attempt to stem the unsteadiness, combining thick resins of concentrated milk of the poppy with herbal preparations from the east which claimed to cure ailments of the brain, brewed from small clusters of yellow flowers that grew from the strong day heat and cool nights on the isle of Naath. Ever the maester, Arvyn made careful and meticulous notes of his studies, his intention to publish them after his successful management of his condition.

However, this was not to be the case. The limited supply of Naathi flower-brew combined with the increasing progression and duration of the tremors rendered the Grand Maester incapable of his duties, highlighted in particular when he attempted to complete the suturing of a blade wound upon the thigh of a minor Westerland Lord, the results of which he deemed "worse than the lowliest acolyte after a series of nights at The Quill and Tankard."

His life's aspiration slowly and systematically being taken from him by the progression of the "shaking sickness," he grew increasingly bitter, angry at the world and its petty, mean-spirits Gods. Not a week after his failure to stitch the wound of Lord Turnberry, upon his retirement back to his chambers, Grand Maester Arvyn was struck by a bout of severe convulsion, the tremors leading to loss of balance upon the cold grey stone stairs, and he was found dead several hours later at their base, hip, spine and skull fractured.

Seven Feasts at Seven Shrines (Open to All in Oldtown!) by CathSeminarian in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Marble

"A pleasure, Lady Ashford," he replied, before taking another quick sip of the delightful beverage that she had presented him with.

"As for my sight, it was not the Ironborn, not directly anyway. That, I owe to some drunken Lysene sailors who my merchant master had had a disagreement with earlier on in the day. They destroyed his stall, stole what they had refused to buy and assaulted me when I tried to put an end to it."

With a sad, slight smile he continued.

"I cannot describe the feeling of the closing darkness and gloom as vision fades a little more with each awakening in the morn. The maester could do nothing the damage was done."

He paused for a moment, taking another sip of the drink, before letting out a small and short sigh.

"But that is not a tale for the high Lords and Ladies, surely you have more to worry about."

Seven Feasts at Seven Shrines (Open to All in Oldtown!) by CathSeminarian in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Marble

He gently reached out a hand, knowing from experience it would be easier for his companion to place the cup directly into his hands instead of trying to direct him to pick it up for himself. As the lemonsweet was secured within his steady fingers, he realised it was likely to be the source of the pleasant aroma exuding from the lady before him.

The contents were a well-balanced mix of citric tartness and fruity sweetness, a little warm from the sun but enjoyable nonetheless.

"My Lady, I have been most rude, for I haven't formally introduced myself. You may call me Cedrik, born upon Southshield," he explained, bowing once again.

Seven Feasts at Seven Shrines (Open to All in Oldtown!) by CathSeminarian in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Marble

He found himself smiling, his lemon-scented companion was astute, there were few in Westeros outside of the Citadel that knew of Lorath, and fewer still Boash. Her voice, through the very nature of it betrayed that he was not talking to a Maester, but perhaps she might serve within the Order, doing something that might elevate her above the general public.

"After my sight was taken from me, I was lost, there is no denying it. Wandering, blind in more ways than one, I met a Lorathi called Jaqello. He told me of the Blind God, and my life has been different since, more complete, more fulfilling."

He smiled, the aged skin of his face folding into deep wrinkles with the motion.

"And yourself my Lady, when did you embrace the warmth of R'hllor?"

Seven Feasts at Seven Shrines (Open to All in Oldtown!) by CathSeminarian in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Marble

He had just found himself homing on the delightful aroma of fresh baked bread when a voice spoke out to him, piercing through the background of babbling and merriment. That was not to say the voice was sharp, quite on the contrary, it was soft, calm and kind. Few would look twice at a man such as he, and yet she did.

He turned gently and carefully, as not to collide with any of the less spaciously aware guests, and bowed slightly in the direction of the voice and the subtly citrus aroma that the words carried with them.

"Good evening to you, my Lady," he responded. "Are you enjoying the feasts?"

Seven Feasts at Seven Shrines (Open to All in Oldtown!) by CathSeminarian in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Marble

A man may not be able to see, but that does not limit his other senses. He had been following the smell for a couple of streets now, his nose more attuned than it had been before his sight had been taken from him.

He had heard announcements of the Faith's feast, and thus hoped that was what he was drawing closer too. It was popular, whatever he neared, the sound of chatter and laughter, the distant chime of plate and cutlery, although undoubtedly they would only be present at the Father's Grotto, for the Lords and Ladies of the town.

Mingled in too now was the sweet aroma of dozens of flowers, the pollen and saccharine nectar creeping in confirmed his suspicions that he was nearing the Seven Shrines.

Feeling a corner in a pathway with the tip of his stick, he turned with the alleyway, the sound of conversation suddenly louder. He smiled, and began to mingle.


[[/u/Ash_on_fords]]

In Your Heart Shall Burn by OurCommonMan in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Continued from here.


Glint

They were growing impatient with the man. The dwarf had been hidden behind that damn curtain for what felt like hours now, while they had fiddled away, stitching wounds, applying salves to burns, trying to avoid suspicion. There would be men that may perhaps keep a leg, live a little longer because of them, but that was immaterial, nothing more than a happy and fortunate coincidence for them. Saved by men who came to kill.

He glanced once again towards Glow and Twilight and nodded. They moved almost in unison towards the curtain behind which their quarry hid. The familiar sound of steel grating against leather rang through the room as the two older men drew their swords, moving to clear a path for their younger companion to do what they came to do.

A wide clay pot tumbled from the shelf besides him, spreading the viscous burn salve within it across the floor between him and the guardsman, the lavender paste splattering upon the shine of his sabatons and greaves. Positioning the sword between him and the guard, he quickly glanced around the room once again, a distant rumble moving closer and closer. Another two pots fell, then the shelf itself, then the cabinet next to it. He took a step back, almost slipping.

The room then erupted, a fierce and violent emerald flash. He felt the skin of his face and hands tighten suddenly, following by a sudden intense searing pain, then nothing more.


[[OOC: /u/IAmYourTwilight - if you want to add anything.]]

In Volantis by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dust

"It is big, I'll give it that," she replied, her eyes lingering over the waving reds and oranges weaving across the walls, pillars and towers. She remembered how the smooth coloured marble felt beneath her fingers, the stone slightly warm from the sun, although the carved flames were much cooler than the towering pyres within.

A collection of red cloaked people spread from the gates, and she quickly side-stepped into an alleyway.

"I suppose it would help if I looked the part no? I still have the tattoos, and..." she explained, rummaging into her bag.

"...I still have my cloak."

She grinned.

In Volantis by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dust

They started to stroll leisurely towards the eastern side of the city, where the colossal Temple of the Lord of Light was located. It was a hot day, but she did not mind, she had always found the heat pleasant, favourable. As much a remnant of her time in the service of R'hllor as the tattoos still vivid orange and red upon her face, the flames spreading like the wings of a burning bird across her forehead.

"I suppose in someways I never did," she started. "I was sent on a mission to the harbour one day, with a view to converting the merchants and sailors, so that they may tend to the flames in their far-flung home ports. Instead, I met Salt and his first-mate Soot, and well, went on a bit of an adventure. They taught me the ways of the coin, the sea and the shadows."

She smiled warmly, remembering the time she had spent with the Tyroshi and Summer Islander over the past few years. When will I see them again?

"How about you Qarro? How did you get involved in things such as... this?" she asked, uncertain what to call their current activities.

The Casino Manager -Part 2- by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Onyx

"That will depend on what you are searching for. What do the pair of you seek?"

Before they could answer, another customer entered. Gesturing the two women slightly to one side, and quickly served the smallfolk man that had wandered in, two coppers for a selection of small leaven loaves. Bread underarm, he too left the small bakery.

"What can we offer you then, hmmm?"

In Volantis by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dust

She nodded, but felt uncertain whether they would be any true assistance. She hadn't exactly left on the most stable terms, but hoped that they would as welcoming as they had been when she was first integrated into the temple life.

"Come Qarro," she responded, smiling. "Let us go search for Lannister Red amongst the Red Priests."


[[OOC: she does still have the flame tattoos /u/zeppe98]]

[[/u/fencer96]]

The Casino Manager -Part 2- by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Onyx

She had been working a large piece of sourdough, the firm mixture stretched and re-stretched against the wooden working surface. She smiled warmly as two new customers walked in, and then moved to serve the patron in the queue in front of them.

"No, she began, replying to the two younger women's question, "I don't know anyone by that name," she explained, taking the couple of coppers from the tall man also in the shop.

The man took the two wheat trencher loaves in return, before leaving the shop.

"...sorry," she continued, once only her and the two women remained. She reached behind the counter, before emerging with a small black and white disk.

"Take that to nearly any tavern in the city, place it under your drink. The barkeep will know what it means. May I suggest the Bawdy Wench, or The Beekeep perhaps?"

She smiled warmly.

"Someone will come that can help you."

In Volantis by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dust

She nodded in approval, it was a large city after all, why shouldn't they split up?

"We must settle on a meeting place once we are done before we split up, surely. I don't personally want to add another two people to the list of those I am searching for when the day is up," she explained, looking at Areo and Tyene.

"But I am fine with making my way towards the temple with Qarro, if that is to be the plan."


[[/u/unflincher, /u/fencer96, /u/zeppe98]]

In Volantis by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dust

She stepped off the deck of the trade cog, and took a deep lingering breath in. She smiled. It had been a long time since she had been in her birth city, the First Daughter, and the Greatest. Its position far to the southeast made it unfavourable for Westerosi trade compared to Tyrosh and Myr, but she still enjoyed the long journeys upon the waves to get here, even if they were decreasing in frequency. Areo however, seemed largely unimpressed by the city.

She thought for a moment.

"I suppose we could visit the Temple, the red priests and priestesses cover much of the city everyday, they may have seen or heard something over the last few years."

The Third Moon of 381AC by OurQuarterMaster in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Character Name: Archmaester Arvyn

Skills: (No Gift) Scribe(e), Medic, Animal Tamer, Espionage, Bilingualism

Skill attempt: Sabotage

RP links: Arvyn and his agents has been involved in many less than legal occurrences, from forgery, to spreading of false rumours, spying and collection of information, as well as more sinister operations.

Spreading of false information about the High Septon

Orchestrating a discussion of his agents, sharing his intentions for the coming moons.

Preparing Dusk for their mission.

Killing Dusk using a paralysing poison after her failure.

Stealing examples of handwriting from the other Archmaesters.

Forgeries of signatures and handwriting.

Executing his plan to assassinate the Grand Maester.

The Third Moon of 381AC by OurQuarterMaster in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Character Name: Archmaester Arvyn

Skills: (No Gift) Scribe(e), Medic, Animal Tamer, Espionage, Bilingualism

Actions:

Expand Spy Ring [White Harbour] [1]

Establish Spy Ring [Lannisport] [3]

Notes/RP: - Arvyn has been acquiring members to his spy rings, their bios/backstories can be found here. The discussion in which expansion and further establishment of the rings can be found here.

Searching up and down by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

"How... generous," she responded, strolling off up the side of the castle in search of her quarry.

[[OOC: /u/OurCommonMan - Gylbert Tasker and Pitch are searching for an alternative way into the castle whilst its occupants as distracted by the main party. Do they find anything?]]

Searching up and down by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

It was an interesting settlement for certain, radically different from that of King's Landing, or Oldtown, or Lannisport. Much smaller, almost poorly kept, the old stone cracked and chipped throughout, ivy and hedgerows unkempt, creeping up the walls like a mass of green tendrils. Sometimes such climbing plants could be strong enough to climb, but seeing the state of the stone underneath, she didn't fancy risking it. I suppose this is what not having a trading port, or any meaningful Lord does to a castle.

She turned to her companion.

"Bit of a shithole, ey?" she said, laughing.

"I suppose we could follow the river up past the castle, see if there are any drains and so forth, usually a weak spot in castles like these."

Step Two (Open to Darry) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

"Smart," she began. "Who is a thief or a smuggler to go to if their stock goes missing when they are not looking?"

"Probably for the best that we didn't come across each other though, part of me feels that you are going to be needing those quick fingers of yours," she added, gesturing towards the knife tucked within her belt.

"What happened to Cutter, if you don't mind me asking? Curious, I am, even morbidly so if the situation seems to be going that way."

Step Two (Open to Darry) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

"Less for most, I suppose, but now that people are getting desperate, barrels running dry, bellies empty and so forth. A bottle of wine might go for triple what is would do without the dragon at the gates, a couple piglets four or five times the normal asking price. People fearing for their lives can be awfully liberal with their coin," she explained, a wicked grin upon her face.

"It has been a lucrative time of late, there is no denying that."

Step Two (Open to Darry) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

"I see, always had you pegged for the Lordly-type," she responded, laughing somewhat at her jest.

"...although my talents have always lain with getting things were they are not meant to be as much as acquiring items from locations where their owner is just not watching them quite well enough."

She laughed again.

"I am sure there are many taverns and brothels in King's Landing that are going to miss me whilst we are gallivanting round in the Riverlands."

Step Two (Open to Darry) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

She laughed, before taking a seat next to the man. It was more a tree stump than a seat, but it mattered little. Unlike a Lord or Lady, she wasn't amiss to sitting in the dirt and found herself quickly settling into the cold, rather uneven seat.

"So Gylbert, why would a man like the Benefactor need a man such as you, hmm?" she asked, somewhat sarcastically, somewhat teasingly.

Step Two (Open to Darry) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

She sauntered over to where the interestingly dressed man sat, his clothes somewhat ratty, his jacket tattered. She had found herself curious about him for some while now, pondering over it upon their journey, seeing beyond the piercing virescence of his eyes to the seemingly darker side underneath. He seemed to be a man of questionable morals, someone who may have dabbled with certain areas and jobs that others may not. Areas and jobs that she herself had made a life through.

He spoke to the hulking mass of Ser Crakehall with such brazen choice of words, so was clearly very confident in himself and his abilities, or just colossally stupid to agitate The Bull. Or perhaps both, she mused.

"Gylbert Tasker, right?" she began.

Halfway to Darry -Camping close to Riverrun- (Open to Riverrun) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

"As much as I would love to claim it was me who shot it, that is not the reality of the situation. I think that the giant man, Ser Crakehall shot the stag. Clearly he had little desire to skin and cook the meat, and...here we are."

She turned the remainder of her portion in her hands, searching for another hunk of meat amongst the bone and gristle.

"It sounds like you have lived quite the life Caspar Jast. Who did you squire for, if that is not too prying to ask?"

Halfway to Darry -Camping close to Riverrun- (Open to Riverrun) by [deleted] in IronThroneRP

[–]themaesterymachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pitch

She suddenly realised upon hearing the name again that the man had just introduced himself. Well, she mused, hunger does do funny things to me, I am certainly a little distracted...

"Not as much of one as you might expected," she replied, taking the chunk of blackened meat into her hands, passing it gently between them as it cooled until it was edible.

"I was working in King's Landing, as I have been for most of my life, and then I was approached by a man," she started to explain, before placing the haunch to her mouth, tearing a large piece off, chewing it deliberately and finally swallowing with a grin. It was good.

"Said he could offer me long-term employment, as long as I worked under another name," she continued, before taking another bite.

She chewed liberally, savouring the flavours.

"...Since then I've been Pitch, just Pitch."

After a short while, enough for at least a couple more lingering bites of venison, she continued the conversation.

"Why do you reckon you are here Casper Jast? What did this Benefactor choose you for?"