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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 16, 2021 23:44:20 GMT -5
Redwater Keep Once the home of the ancient bloodline that was House Crane, descended from a daughter of Greenhand, Rose of the Red Lake, it is now the den of a mob and rabble of both bastards and peasants. These are hardy folk that grew up in the depths of the forests to the east and south of Crakehall. Here, the Lord of this herd, the Boar named Gerold Hill, has claimed this place, and a daughter of House Crane, as his lordship and his home. Today, he is known as the Lord of Swine and Lake and the Lord of Redwater Keep. Gerold rules his lands by force and by fear, making him a rather terrible tyrant. And yet, none dare cross the borders to subjugate him. So perhaps, this was a trade-off: a terrible tyrant that keeps the peace and order. These lush lands now feed the forces that fly under the banner of a black, tusked boar head. InfoReigning Noble: Gerold Hill, the Lord of Swine Income: Medium (10,000) Levy: 1,000 men
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 19, 2021 13:39:40 GMT -5
A handful of riders in leather and mail make their way through the former lands of House Crane, and make it known that they wish an audience with the so-called Lord of Swine. A man named The Fishwife leads them, and speaks on behalf of the bastard that sits in Brightwater Keep.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 19, 2021 14:12:42 GMT -5
A handful of riders in leather and mail make their way through the former lands of House Crane, and make it known that they wish an audience with the so-called Lord of Swine. A man named The Fishwife leads them, and speaks on behalf of the bastard that sits in Brightwater Keep. The sentries, upon the walls of Redwater, would relay the request to their commander who sat upon his ‘throne’ with his wife and children nearby. The immense Boar would accept the request made and soon, the Fishwife was brought into the den of the Lord of Swine. There, Gerold was seen dining on a fine leg of mutton and had a full cup of wine. He seemed rather uncivilized compared to his highborn wife who sat nearby watching over her offspring by large husband. Hill looks up from his mutton as he notices the visiting knight. He picked out a bit of mutton before deciding to speak. Odd name for a knight, Fishwife. So who the hell ‘re ya and why ‘re here?Manners was hardly a thing for the Boar, despite his wife’s attempts at culturing her husband.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 20, 2021 9:36:09 GMT -5
"I come on behalf of Lord Edric Storm." Greeted Ser Lewys, with a barely disguised grimace. He shot the lady Crane a piteous look, but she did not seem to notice.
"I can see you speak plainly. I shall do the same. My Lord Edric would have your loyalty in the war for Highgarden." The Fishwife paused, and considered that they were not far removed from the position of this creature that was sat before him. A few bolts of silken cloth and a family name, perhaps. It ashamed him to admit it.
"You have won yourself a fine seat, but the Lords of the Reach are fickle and proud. They will not tolerate the presence of a man like yourself. Just as they do not tolerate the presence of my own master."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 20, 2021 11:07:37 GMT -5
Gerold's eyebrow went up slightly before going back to chewing on the mutton. He stomped his foot twice, causing a lanky-looking Maester to scurry on in. Hill downs his food with a good gulp of wine before turning to the official. He point his mutton at the Fishwife.
Is Edric Storm this 'ere royal bastard yer mentioned several times?
The Boar inquired as the Maester nodded. Many times, this individual attempted to educate and help Hill understand what was going on, but Gerold seemed focused on his young wife and raiding nearby.
Indeed, Lord Hill. Edric Storm is an illegitmate offspring of the late Robert Baratheon, First of His Name. He managed to escape the carnage of the past two decades thanks to the wisdom of his protectors. He is one of the main claimants for the Highgarden throne and the whole of the Reach. He is currently betrothed-..
The Maester squeaking was interrupted by a wave from Gerold. He grew annoyed with the flood of information and the mouse's small talk. He got the picture at least. For a long time, the male simply chewed his food and stared at the visiting knight. Whatever the size of his brain was, it was working to try and think on the proposed offering.
You want my loyalty? My arms? My men?
Gerold gives the knight another long look.
Who's ta say you won't be like those who warn me against? Hm?
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 20, 2021 11:40:46 GMT -5
"Necessity. My Lord has enemies enough already. Making one of a man like you would not be in his interest."
The Fishwife regarded the maester implacably. It was a small wonder that this Pig Lord had let him live. Perhaps the man had wits yet, or a crude sense of pragmatism.
"Neither would it be in yours to make one of him. Not when so many Reachmen wish you dead."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 20, 2021 12:04:17 GMT -5
Gerold taps his finger on arm rest while his other hand begins to stroke his thick beard. It was at this moment that Lady Crane stood and walked over to her husband.
This... could help you, husband. Legitimacy, position, err... wealth.
Lady Crane seemed rather docile. Likely because of the violent reputation of Gerold, the Boar. Soft spoken and timid by the tone of her words. One look was enough to silence her. Hill's chest heaves as the large male rises and descends from his throne, leaving the half eaten mutton behind. However, he did not forget his cup of wine. Down it in one big gulp, Gerold tosses it aside.
And this Maester tells me that plenty want him dead as well.
Gerold remarks as he looks at the Fishwife.
What's in it for me if I join yer lot? What can your Edric Storm give me that I can't just take?
His large hands begin to rub together now, wanting to know what he could get from this deal. But first, let's see what the knight could promise and offer.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 20, 2021 13:55:09 GMT -5
"A title, bannermen, castles. You play at being a lord, and you survive because your neighbours are too weak. They will not always be too weak. One day their banners will surround this castle, and repay what you did to the Cranes."
Replied the Fishwife, with a confident smile. He had met a hundred men like this in the East, warlords ruling by the sword.
"Only strength will keep them in line. Fight for Edric Storm, and he will make you strong."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 20, 2021 20:56:12 GMT -5
Gerold taps his bearded chin, thinking upon the words of the Fishwife. Granted, his mind was the size of a pea, but he knew the words that the visitor spoke of. Title, bannermen, and castles meant two obvious things: power and wealth. The Boar grins at the thought of these things. Proper recognition meant he could be a lord. Bannermen meant he could gain power. Castles meant land and wealth. The large male continues to grin as he turns away, letting out a bellowing laugh.
Lord Gerold Hill eh? Red Lake mine and other lands too.
He was aware of neighboring warlords. Prime targets with the right backing to expand his power.
And all yer Storm wants is my allegiance and troops? There is a bit of a distance though.
Gerold recalled a map that the maester had showed, indicating where places were and where camps had formed.
What's the plan to ensure I can support yer lord's ambitions?
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 21, 2021 7:56:35 GMT -5
"My lord will call upon you, when the time is right, to march against his enemies. Ensure you are prepared."
Lewys replied, with an affirming nod. They could use this beast as a sword against Highgarden, a strike from the north that would be ill-expected.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 21, 2021 21:08:14 GMT -5
"My lord will call upon you, when the time is right, to march against his enemies. Ensure you are prepared."Lewys replied, with an affirming nod. They could use this beast as a sword against Highgarden, a strike from the north that would be ill-expected. It looked like his men would have to do some work. The Boar’s small mind began to crank into gear as a hunger for land and title rose. He felt his eyes tempted to look East, towards neighboring warlords and the prospect of new lands, a means to further his own power until the time had come. With a loud bellow, the Boar laughed before slapping the back of the Fishwife. His hard hands gripped his shoulder and a grin revealed poor teeth as Gerold was pleased with the deal. A drink before you depart to report your success to your master then, Fishwife, eh?There was fine wine here after all. Mayhaps I convince ya to stick around and join me in a little northern hunting? Got some good game up this way and potential for fine prizes too.
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