Loyal but Untamed (Campaign Log)

[Eisen]

There is something fishy going on here. Why was Orton Lugus so eager to make sure the fox knight didn't tell any tales... I wouldn't turn my back on him or any other Lugas for that matter.

[Paedrig]

Yes, you are right. InPlay my Char (Paedrig) only see two possibilities:
1. the Lugus (or especially Orten Lugus) are somewhere in the intrigue against house Blyth. But the question is still - what do they want?
2. it might be that there is some dark secret between the Lugus and the Archeys (remember, Orten mentioned old ties between the two houses) that had nothing to do with us, but that are so dangerous for Lugus, that they do everything to prevent that Ser Archey gets a open trial. Much better to silence him forever...
But then again - it would be a funny coincidence that this happened just in the moment when the fox knight is plotting against us. Therefore Paedrig tend more to option 1.

And given the distrust against Orten Lugus, the manners of Naton Lugus (remember there was almoust a fight with his entourage) and the reputation of their sister as a black widdow...certainly no one of our party will trust the Lugus at the moment easily...

[pouncingpanda]

Another entertaining episode, thanks Paedrig.

It's interesting to see how some of the mechanics play out in practise.

In this episode, a player character LOST an intrigue and was compelled to do something. In this case, they were compelled to do something quite minor (pay a prostitute) but the rules allow for characters being compelled to do much more serious things (e.g. marry off their daughter).

This is unusual for mainstream RPGs. Most games (e.g. D&D 3.5, Mutants & Masterminds, WFRP) have the convention that "players can use social skills on NPCs but NPCs can't use social skills to compel PCs".

How did your players react to using the more "crunchy" intrigue rules of SIFRP?

[Paedrig]

Mostly they (or i should say we) welcome these rules and used it quiet often. Even sometimes against each other (but not for very controversial matters - mostly for informations, a slightly increase of disposition etc.).
Of course it might be frustrating if you are talked by an npc (or an pc by the way) to something that you certainly do not want for your char.

But if it comes to this, there is still the option to quit the intrigue (but with gaining some small drawback for the next time/ next dealing with these or other chars) or bargain with the game master/ other player for an solution that both can live with.
Until now it always gone well.

But in some more critical situation this might be a thing thats needs a carefull handling. From my knowledge players could react realy pissed of if they have the feeling to be forced to much...

[Eisen]

Now that I've thought about it more, why was Orton Lugus allowed to get away with what he did? He clearly was desprate to silence the fox knight. Sure there's no hard "evidence" but there's too much going on here to just let him walk. The 'killed while attempting escape' line is the oldest trick in the book! Orton was alone when this happened right? If so that is pretty clear evidence of his guilt right now. Killing an unarmed prisioner in House Blythe custody is a serious crime.

The best way to stop tricky plots like this is to act swiftly before it's too late. I'd recomend at the very least trying an intrigue with Orton and trying to get the truth out of him. If that fails perhaps he'd be more talkative at the point of your sword!

[Paedrig]

But the fox knight was not unarmed when he was killed. Remember he had get Ortens dagger. With such a weapon he was certainly no real danger for armored man like Orten and Paedrig, but he was not realy unarmed.

We also were not alone with him at this moment - there was still Ser Bryan Telson at the scene who might react a little bit surprised...
AND neither Paedrig nor Eric were absolutly certain about Ortens acting. They became more sure about it when they talked with each other a little bit later, summing up their feelings and thinkings.

But holding a sword towards the neck of an noble man of the Lugus family (a family with quiet a reputation and ties and connections which might be much better than ours) when in the same time their are accusations against our own house...
This could be at least complicated.


But you might be right that we should do something - and quick. At least get Bryan Telson into the boat and then something more drastic? We'll see...

But at least for my char his options are limited - Paedrig is still the bastard. He could lay out the possibilities but the real mover and shaker are Eric and Ragnar (if his player ever find the time to play ).

[Eisen]

Sure there are conquenses to acting, but there are also conquences for inaction as well. Letting this plot play out might be the worst option.

Besides with the Blyths in the Vale and Lugus in the Westerlands they'd have to invade to Riverlands to even get to you. It's not like the Lanisters would ever let that happen right?

[Paedrig]

The territory of the Blyth lies in the northen Riverlands but you are right it is quite a distance between there and the Westlands.
But the Lugus gets some lieges in the riverlands not so far away during the civil war. Until now they might be weak (and their land might also be endangered by us if it comes to a feud) but at least they have a feet in the door. And you might remember that house Blyth did still have enemies or at least not-so-friendly neighbours like the Falkirks (or the Dannetts for the matter), problems with the clans - and Gard is still a little bit unsteady in the saddle...

The Lugus might have other options than brute forces (and the Lannisters even more if they get involved in any way).

But you may be right we should do something. I'll try...


P.S.:
Given the fact that the tourney is a very important part of the adventure (we have not even played two days and i have already some pages full with the interactions and events) i will post the tourney in 2-3 parts i think. It's also have the benefit that you must not wait so long...

[Paedrig]

Perils at Kings Landing III (The Tourney Part One)

(Given the fact that Ragnars player could still not participate most time we treated his char as a semi-npc).

********

In the evening before the tourney Paedrig asked Eric if he would be his guarantee, because he wanted to borough money as compensation for house Uller and the shame Paedrigs father did to them. Certainly a bastard and low ranking officer could not get a credit on his own. After some hesitation, Eric agreed.

The new day brought the beginning of the great tourney honouring prince Joeffreys name day. It all started with a parade at the tourney ground – all participants (around 260 jousters) passed by the main tribune, greeting the king, the queen and their children. The royal family made quiet an impression (at least for Paedrig) in all their glory protected by the kingsguard (and especially the lord commander Ser Barristan Selmy). The king seemed to wish that he could be a part of the passing fighters.
Of course the top of the formation was reserved for more prominent houses and famous (or infamous) men like Ser Jaime Lannister, Loras Tyrell etc. Paedrig and Ragnar (halfway recovered from illness) came somewhere in the middle field (and this only because they had bribed one of the tourney heralds). Perhaps Adham Dannett had forgotten to do this – to his anger he was placed somewhere behind house Blyth. Eric (certainly not a knight or fighter) was seated at the tribune of the nobles. He talked a little bit with Alys Gargalen who would participate at the Grand Melee but not in the joust. For this occasion Paedrig cousin preferred a more womanlike appearance and clothing although her broken nose and the scar in her face contradicted a little bit with her dress and ladylike manners. Erics Sister Visennya Buckwell was also at the tribune but kept some distance because she did not wanted to be associated with the actual problems of house Blyth.
Some smallfolk bystanders shouted ‘slaughterers’ and ‘murders’ when Ragnar and Paedrig passed by – perhaps the false rumours had arrived Kings Landing or (more probably) Adham Dannett’s entourage had spread their ‘truth’ around. However the accusations were rare and most of the nobles ignored them. Eric also tried to tilt these nasty impressions when he talked with other nobles (given the fact that he had lived at Kings Landing for some years he had some acquaintances). Ragnar and Paedrig did their best to make an impression as excellent riders in complete control of their horses.

After the parade there should be a celebration at the Great Sept (but the royal family would not participate). There was some time to meet other fighters. Paedrig tried to get a closer look of the kingslayer but did not dare to speak to him. While men like Jaime Lannister and Loras Tyrell were quite prominent, no one wanted to speak to Sandor Clegane. Paedrig and Ragnar watched out not to stumble over Adham Dannett because he might make a dramatic scene or so…
Some of the knights changed their clothes for a more civil appearance but other (like Paedrig and Ragnar) prayed in full armour. The sermon of the High Septon (and of course the whole surrounding of the Great Sept) was quite impressive. Many knights lit up candles in front of the Smith and the Warrior – but there were also some candles burning before the statue of the Stranger (although no one had noticed who had placed them).

In the evening there should be a banquette at the Red Keep – for Paedrig and Ragnar the first opportunity to visit the fortress. Of course they were both impressed – the buildings, the treasures that could be seen everywhere…
While Erics costly clothes were right for this occasion, Paedrig was a little bit underdressed and Ragnar with his ‘ironmen’-fashion looked a little bit exotic. He was accompanied by Marya, the companion he had hired. Although the young woman was very pretty, wear fancy clothes and had the right manners some might have noticed her true heritage (for example Ser Naton Lugus and other guests of the Jade Sring Brothel. Naton was not ashamed to brag about this – and the ‘qualities’ of other apparent women for the matter).
Eric did his best to catch the Maester of house Dannett, hoping to use him as a chain of communication (and conciliation). He easily outtalked the Maester and might have won him over but Adham Dannett intervened and brought this intrigue to an end.
Eric did not find another opportunity because he felt into the hands of Lady Orlana Shreeve, a plumb, shrill and embarrassing woman which was in search for a husband for her young (but horse faced and awkward) daughter. Although Eric was not completely uninterested (at least he wanted to know if house Shreeve had money) he certainly did have more important things on his mind. But his attempt to use Paedrig as a distraction failed and in the end he had to retreat with hast – much to the amusement of other guests.

When the royal family arrived the banquette began – first with the presentation of the gifts for the birthday child (the presents came either in nature or were listed). It was an almost endless stream of beautiful and costly things – weapons (especially an excellent sword which the prince named Lionstooth at the spot), falcons, dogs, horses, clothing, jewellery etc. Some knights also claimed that they want to joust in the name of Joeffrey. To the surprise of the party (which did not have a present), even the Dannetts had brought a costly saddle for the prince.
Then the real meal began. The party was of course seated far away from the important guests. The immediate table neighbours were the two Gargalens. Paedrig asked Alys Gargalen for some token for the tourney and she laughed and gave him a dornish veil.
Of course the food, wine and ale were excellent – much better than everything that could be served at home. This brought Eric to the speculation if he should sponsor the kitchen of castle Dragonport in the future to get more decent meals. While the guests ate and drank, everyone who wanted could stand up and make a toast which then was picked up by more or less numbers of his neighbours.
There were also acrobats, minstrels, dancers and buffoons to amuse and distract the guests. Sadly some used Erics encounter with Lady Shreeve to make some jokes. A more pleasant part of the program for the party was a song by Blackbird, the young minstrel Ragnar and Paedrig had helped two days before. She praised the fight against the fox knight – but some of her stanzas also criticized the Lugus in a hidden way (one of Naton Lugus cousins had tried to lay hand on her) – luckily neither Naton nor Marita Lugus seem to recognize her hints.

The real problems started a little later when Paedrig made a toast for ‘the king, his justice and peace’. Obviously this was too much for Adham Dannett because he rose to his feet, accused house Blyth loudly as slaughterers, criminals and warmongers and claimed justice by the king and financial compensation by house Blyth. He also lay out every real or alleged crime that was done against the Dannetts by house Blyth in the last 300 years – it was quiet a long list. The king seemed not very pleased by Adhams tirade and prince Joeffrey was quite pissed of by this interruption of ‘his’ festival.
The party had been quiet as long as Adhams sermon went (assuming that it would be wise to react calm) – but when the king gave the word to house Blyth, Eric raised and apologized for the interruption, mollifying the temper of the prince, and then held a eloquent defence speech. He stated out that all accusation could not be proven. He did not accused house Dannett directly but pictured them as victims of unnamed dark forces who try to ignite an open conflict between Dannett and Blyth. Of course he mentioned the suspicious role and acting of the fox knight, the inquiry of house Aran that found no proof for house Blyth guilt etc. (but not the suspicion against house Lugus). Rhetorically the victory of house Blyth was clear – perhaps a little bit too clear for Adham Dannetts pride because he now challenged house Blyth for an ordeal – a fight man against man.
The prince seemed to like the idea, shouting “Yeah, a fight to the death!” but was silenced in a rude way by his father. But anyway the king accepted the challenge – the ordeal should be the next day as the beginning of the tourney. The fighter should joust against each other until one of them was unhorsed, dead or give up (not the normal rules for an ordeal fight but after all the king is the king…).
Both Ragnar and Paedrig wanted to be the fighter of house Blyth, although for Paedrig it was more a matter of duty then real wanting it (after all he liked the young Dannett knight and secretly was in love with Adhams cousin Anya). He had always wanted a peacefully solution of the whole matter and certainly had not dreamed that his prominent appearance in front of the royal family, the court, numerous nobles and smallfolk would be in such a way…
In the end Eric decided that Paedrig should fight. Ragnar as a ward of the Freys/Arans/Blyth might be too precious for an ordeal – and given the fact that he wanted to fight for his own family in the tourney (while Paedrig was listed as the fighter of house Blyth and had at least some Blyth blood in his veins) Paedrig seemed to be the better option.

(In reality we used Paedrig because the absence of Ragnars player – such an important scene simply must be played out…).

After this interruption the banquette continues but Paedrig (in contrast to Eric) had lost his appetite. Some of the guests wished house Blyth (who had certainly shown the better manners and the better arguments) luck while others simply ignored the whole thing or kept distance – who could say how the ordeal would go and if the king was not still angry about this whole thing?
The party returned back to the Green Tree Inn together with Ser Bryan Telson who seemed to be concerned by something he did not want to say. However he was more than willing to assist Paedrig in the preparation of the ordeal.

Facing the possibility of loosing the ordeal (or even dying) or unintentionally maiming/ killing Adham Dannett Paedrig searched some distraction with the companion Garya. Because she was of a lower social standing than Paedrig this was also a chance to show his fears and concerns without being ashamed. By this occasion Garya also tell him that she could not find out what her colleague Lidda had to discuss with Orten Lugus (Paedrig had asked her to do a little bit of research because he feared a new intrigue against the Blyth). Garya seemed to be angry about Lidda, accusing her to think that she was something better as the other girls – perhaps because she now had two knights (Ser Shanin and Ser Telson) at her heels.

***

While Eric slept good, had an opulent late breakfast and then went directly to the tourney place accompanied by one of our sellswords (and Ragnar plus his companion), Paedrig do not slept so well and stood up early. Together with Ser Bryan Telson he went to the Great Sept to pray and than visited the weapon smith Brazier were he had left the ominous dagger that was left as ‘gift’ for Eric Blyth at the Green Tree Inn some days ago by an unknown man.
Brazier could not tell who had manufactured the dagger or which region it might come from. But he was sure that the dagger was at least 100 years old and very expensive. He had also found a hidden partition inside the dagger shaft and inside a small glass flacon with a rest of an unknown fluid. This heightens Paedrigs paranoia and his believe that the dagger might be part of another plot against house Blyth. However time was running thin and therefore he went to the tourney ground. He reported Eric the news about the dagger and handed the weapon and the flacon over before preparing himself for the ordeal he did not want.
Meanwhile Eric did his best to keep an aura of confidence and rightfulness and keep an eye on the spectators. He noticed a young, blonde woman with her face masked in the crowd who seemed to be more interested into the whole situation than others bystanders.

It was the privilege of prince Joeffrey to command the beginning of the ordeal. Both lances meet their aim precisely – but it was only Adham Dannett who went to the ground, and he went down hard. Adham must be carried away by his entourage while Paedrig saluted to the spectators. He only gets a lame applause – perhaps some were disappointed of the quick end of the fight while others would have preferred the victory of a ‘real knight’. Paedrig also could only feel a half hearted triumph and was concerned that he might wounded Adham much harder than he intended.
Eric however was suddenly much more prominent than before and gets many congratulations. But he was still able to recognize that Adhams fall shocked the masked woman who almost runs to the wounded knight – an acting which surprised Eric and made him suspicious. There were these rumours about Adhams lost sister and the masked girl might have the right age, hair colour and stature… But he did have no opportunity to take a closer look - he could certainly not left the tribune and when he send his body guard after the young women the man lost her track.
King Robert declared the ordeal over and the matter cleared. The tourney could continue.
Paedrig went to Adham Dannetts tent because he wanted to know if he was o. K., but did not get very close. Adham’s entourage reacted almost violent and Paedrig did not want to start another fight. So he went away, silently cursing these stupid idiots.
Given the fact that there were around 260 jousters the first round mean ca. 130 fights – this cost the whole day although there were often two fights at the same time. Ragnar did get his chance to show his abilities as a jouster against a member of house Harte. Both fighters broke three lances on the shield or armour of the other but no one was unhorsed. In the end Ragnar was declared as the winner because he had hit harder and with greater precision.
Nearly all of our (more or less friendly) acquaintances of the last days who wanted to participate in the tourney (Ser Bryan Telson, Ser Gennady Shanin, Ser Naton Lugus and two of his three cousins, Ser Alesander Gargalen and even Ser Langley Woods) passed through the first round with more or less ease.


When the group meet at our tourney tent to discuss further actions, the meeting was interrupted by a surprising visit by Eric Blyth’s son William. No one of the other party members did have known that Eric was ever married.

(In reality a new player wanted to try the system and we had to integrate a new char)

As the others now get to know, Eric was married some twenty years ago for a short time. His wife died by childbed fever and when Eric was exiled some years later he took his young son with him and left him in Oldtown where Wiliam finally became a Maester (although he did not serve a house at the moment). William was a guest at the Maester Council that was hold at the same time as the tourney and had got notice of the arriving of his father by rumours and by his aunt Visennya Buckwell (Eric`s sister). The young man (age nineteen) did have the face and hair of his father but looked sportier. He had lost one eye by an accident some times ago. It seemed that Eric had shown little care for his son in the last years and even his financial support was suboptimal so to speak. His sister Visennya had filled the gap as well as she could (with encouraging letters and with money).
While Wiliam was willing to help the party, there was some tension between father and son. William’s reaction towards the other members of the party was likewise not so warm while they tried to ignore the father-son-bickering.
However the situation was too serious to care too much about this. Eric handed the glass flacon that was found inside the ominous dagger over to William. As a Maester he might have the means and the knowledge to find out what was in the flacon (a toxin, the party supposed). As if there were not enough problems the party must face the message that one of Naton Lugus cousins (Ser Jarrod Lugus) challenged Ragnar Greyjoy as his jousting opponent for the next day (perhaps because of this little incident with minstrel Blackbird some days ago). A short personal meeting of the would-to-be opponents did nothing to ease the tension – both sides exchanged some ‘niceties’ and then left.
While Ragnar (unsuccessfully) tried to get information about Ser Jarrod Lugus fighting abilities, Paedrig wanted to find out the well-being of Adham Dannett (of course without starting a new fight). From what he heard Adham was in a very bad condition. The chances to meet him conscious seemed to be likewise bad (if the party would ever find a way into Adhams tent). This news troubled Paedrig a lot while Eric and Ragnar seemed to be more carefree. In their mind it might even a long term benefit if Adham (as the only son of house Lugus) was permanently maimed or even killed in the ordeal. Paedrig could not agree to this viewpoint but kept his mouth shut.
Concerning the problems with the supposed intrigue by house Lugus, Paedrig urged that the party should seek support by their acquaintances (at least as advisor and witnesses) and perhaps try to get out more information’s of Ortens plans and intentions (either by the use of cunning/ deception or the use of force).

The party tried to get Ser Alesander Gargalen into the boat by telling him the whole story but Paedrigs uncle reacted a little bit cautious. He did not want to get involved in a fight with an unknown but certainly dangerous enemy. Eric remembered Ser Alesander not very subtle that house Blyth (or at least Paedrig and in the end Eric as his guarantee) would spent a lot of money for house Gargalen and therefore had the right to seek support. This remembrance angered the proud dornish noble man and embarrassed Paedrig but in the end Alesander Gargalen agreed to help the party (but only half hearted). He also warned that any violent action against house Lugus might be seen as breaking the tourney peace and the peace of the king.

When the party returned to the Green Tree Inn, Paedrig used the opportunity to get Bryan Telson into the boat. Paedrig informed him about the whole situation and also warned him that Orten Lugus might try to use Lidda (the companion with which Bryan seemed to be in love) in his intrigues. Bryan was easier to convince than Alesander Gargalen but he wanted Paedrigs help for his search after an ancient valyrian sword called ‘Scorpion’ in exchange. Paedrig agreed. He also tried to get out of Bryan why he seemed to be a little too educated for a simple hedge knight and what troubled him during the last days. But in the end Paedrig did not get any answers.

In the meantime William returned to the Maester Council where he tried to get access to a laboratory to analyse the liquid in the glass flacon. He was not successful and did not get a chance to analyze the liquid (at least without revealing his doing to one of the other Maesters). Because of this he went to his aunt Lady Visennya who could send him to Maester Duncan (called Maester Drunken by some of his friends and foes) one of her acquaintances. Duncan operated in the shadier zones of the society and had his home and laboratory near the borders of Flea Bottom. For some money Wiliam get undisturbed access to the laboratory and started analysing – a very long and frustrating process that certainly would go into the next day.

[Eisen]

Awesome post! Sounds like a real marathon sesion there. Great job getting some allies against Lugus, that's probally the smart way to go about things. Why so concerned about Adham Dannett? Paedrig's concern for his enemies sounds like his biggest weakness to me. But did I read right that Paedrig was in love with a Dannett?! They've been doing everything possible to destroy house Blythe. This is going to lead to trouble...

Also Maester William sounds like a cool character. I think he'd be of more use to the house then the "witch" Gard enlisted eariler. That is if he and Eric can work past the daddy issues.

[Paedrig]

Eisen
Actually this text was more the result of up to five session, written together. To play the whole thing in one session would simply be impossible.

Concerning your comments about Paedrigs acting towards our 'enemies'...
When Lord Gard of Dragonport sent his letter to Kings Landing concerning the investigation of house Aran, he also had given the order to not increase the tension between Blyth and Dannett. Gard certainly do not want the old feud to go on. His father had done everything to end it (for example by initiating the marriage of Anna Dannett with his firstborn son Viserion and the wedding of Anya Dannett with Ser Gawan Blyth of Krayenhorn) and Gard was allways the good son.
Peace between house Dannett and Blyth seemed also to be the wish of house Aran (the local 'big player') and after the turmoils of Viserion reign Gard wants to please his liege lord a little bit more than his dead brother. Remember he also wants a marriage with one of the Aran-girls.
If the party is comming back with the message that the heir of house Dannett was serious wounded/maimed by Paedrig (and this in front of the royal court)...

Paedrig is by the way much more dependant on Gards goodwill than Eric and Ragnar, and Gard (in contrast to his dead brother Viserion) treated him with more respect. Therefore Gards wishes are important for Paedrig...

Second Paedrig did not see the Dannetts as his (or house Blyth) real arc enemy. More as missguided and used by our (or their) real enemies. To 'accept' the Dannetts as enemies would mean to let our REAL enemy win. There are also still troubles with the Fallkirks and especially the clans...

Third during their first meeting (the visit of Lord Vickon Aran) Paedrig had done his best to increase the disposition of Adham Dannett towards house Blyth. He did have some success in this (Adham propably reacted especially furious to the massacre because he feeled betrayed) but this increasing of disposition went in both ways - especially because Adham did treated Paedrig as almost equal, do not mentioned his bastard heritage (while for example William Blyth's first reaction after Paedrig said his name was 'Ah, a bastard.' ).

Fourth concerning Paedrig's love...
I am certain I did have mentioned his secret affection towards his two years older 'aunt' Lady Anya of Krayenhorn. The young woman was part of the attempt to increase the relations between Blyth and Dannett and is the cousin of Adham and Iris Dannett. Of course now (as the lady of Krayenhorn) she is a 'Blyth' so to speak - but her heritage is house Dannett. To maim her cousin or be the cause of even more trouble between Blyth and Dannetts is certainly no way to win a womans heart (o. K. at the moment she did know about Paedrigs affection only because some vague and unproven hints of Gards sister Alyanna - and Anya treated this hints as completly unsound and ridiculous).
But yes, if Paedrig ever find the courage towards his affection this WILL lead to trouble...


Concerning Maester William...we will see. He is certainly more educated than the 'witch' - but as healer i think they are (almost) equal. The woman seemed to be not so complicated than Erics son. And in the end two healer are allways better than one...
Also I did want to have one npc with "Third Eye" in the castle for further stories (and the 'witch' have this benefit)...
Therefore I think she will stay.


But perhaps you are right that Paedrig is not very ruthless (although beside his concerns towards Adham I did not see where he treat enemies too lenient ). Perhaps not as ruthless as it might be good sometimes.
But remember he is a young man in an unstable social position, with a dead (and idolized) dead knightly father. Knighthood and acting as a 'true knight' in combat is for Paedrig one way (in reality or only imaginated) to get out of his position as 'only a bastard'. Just because he is not knight (yet) he try to act as one. Ser Gard (his lord) is also not very ruthless in his actings...
O. K. Paedrigs affection towards his 'aunt' might be not so 'knightly' but than again - he is young... And she is everything he would have get if he where not a bastard. As legitime son of his father HE would be the lord of Krayenhorn...
I wanted an complex character with sometimes contradicting motives. Hope i did have success...

[Eisen]

Thanks for helping to clear things up Paedrig is an awesome character with some conflicting traits at work in the backround. But rember, it's hard for an enemy (or a cat's paw) to plot against you if they're dead

Just one quick follow up. You said Gard was trying to get himself married to an Arran girl.. are there other Arran daughters you created for the campaign or are we talking about Lady Lysa here?

Don't worry, if Gard ever kicks Paedrig out I'm sure House Milo would be glad to take him in

[Paedrig]

Concerning your question with Gards wedding plans...
Hmm...we had this misunderstanding already. But the local player house with which Gard tries to arrange a marriage alliance are the Arans.
I think you mean house Arryn of the Vale - fare more prominent and powerfull than the Arans. Perhaps we should have taken another name when we created our neighbour houses but we liked the sound 'Aran'. But the Arans and the Arryns have nothing to do with each other.

And thanks for the offer for Paedrig. I kept this in mind...

[Paedrig]

Perils at Kings Landing IV (The Tourney Part Two)
(Ragnar and William must be treated as semi-npc because their players could not always participate)

Ragnar had not slept in the Green Tree Inn because he did not want to stay under the same rooftop as the Lugus – the speculations and suspicions of Paedrig and Eric had fallen on fertile soil. Ragnar was also afraid that the Lugus may sabotage his tourney success by killing or poisoning the horses – he seemed more concerned about his courser than his own health (or Erics and Paedrigs health for the matter). While Eric and Paedrig distrusted the Lugus they did not think that it was necessary to change the quarters. They also wanted to have a closer look of their supposed enemies.
The party had still unused information by a captured member of the band of the fox knight, that their captain had used an inn at the Flea Bottom for letters from and to his unknown friends/allies. Today Eric and Ragnar wanted to follow this track, fearing that time might run thin. But given the various tasks and duties of the party members it seemed hard to find time for such an operation.

In the morning Eric and Paedrig went to the tourney ground were the want to meet Ragnar. They were accompanied by one of their sellswords. Outside of the walls of Kings Landing they not only meet Ragnar and his companion Marya but also Ser Bryan Telson who had disturbing news. Adham Dannett was in a pretty bad condition and there were already rumours about illness (perhaps even before the fight against Paedrig), evil sorcery or poison – a whispering that might quick get the party into trouble. Telson had also heard that Ser Gennady Shanin (a dornish knight with which neither Telson nor Paedrig had a good relationship) hat visit Ser Ulwyck Uller. Given Paedrig Rivers history with this house (his mother was married to an Uller who was killed by Paedrigs father in a duel) this might cause new trouble.
Eric thanked Ser Telson for his information and the promise to help house Blyth and gave him a letter with which Telson could ask Eric’s sister Visennya Buckwell for help for his search after this legendary valyrian sword ‘Scorpion’ (Visennya did have good connections in Kings Landing and the court).

Anyway it was time for Paedrigs next fight. This time his opponent was a knight in service of house Stokeworth. Both fighters broke three lances without unhorsing each other but Paedrig hit with more strength and precision. When Paedrig visit his cousin Alys Gargalen at the lower rows of the noble tribune after his victory, he noticed several unfriendly looks and whispering – the rumours about Adham Dannett seemed to spread out.

Then William Blyth (after a night full of complicated analysis) arrived at the tourney ground with the message that the unknown liquid in the glass flacon was indeed a poison – a very costly and deadly one: the tears of Lys. Together with the rumours about Adham Dannetts health and Paedrig knowledge that he did not have hit Adham SUCH hard, William’s news lead Eric and Paedrig to the conclusion that Adham might actually be poisoned. And they were quiet certain who would be accused if the young knight might die. Eric thanked his son not very enthusiastic for his analysis (this might not help to strengthen their relationship) and was more concerned about the possible political consequences. William went back to the Maesters Conclave. He had already missed a lot of the ongoing discussions and activities.
Paedrig insisted that the party must do something – in his eyes they could not let Adham die. But given the distrusts of the Dannett’s what could they do?
In the end Eric decided to go to the Maester Conclave and hire a expert who should help Adham Dannett. It might be too complicated to get William to Adham (Adhams entourage would certainly not trust a Blyth) and if he got through them and then failed in his attempt to rescue Adham…
A foreign expert was more costly but not so risky. Maester Bowen (a real coryphée for healing) was hired, send to the Dannets with the order to keep his connection to house Blyth secret for the moment.
All this nearly cost Eric Blyth his chance to participate in the first round of the shooting contest (the only tourney contest in which he actually could participate with at least a meagre chance), but he arrived just in time and got through the first round with ease.

While Ragnar should joust in the afternoon, Paedrig and Eric now decided to make their trip to the Flea Bottom inn, hoping to find new traces of our enemies. They were accompanied by one of the sellswords.
Visiting Flea Bottom was quiet a shock – at least for Paedrig who could not understand how such a slum could exist in such a marvellous and beautiful city (Kings Landing was after all his first real big city). Although Paedrig and the Sellsword were good armed the party did not feel very secure but no one dared to attack them. The interrogation of the inn owner did not bring much new information. He could only describe the man who brought the letters for the fox knight and took the answers with him. The description of this messenger sound familiar – it was the same man that had brought this poison dagger to the Green Tree Inn and who had initiated this little intrigue against Paedrig (the accusation that he had impregnated the daughter of a weapon smith). Given the fact that this coming and going of letters had gone on and on for some years the suspect seemed to be living in Kings Landing (or had at least good contacts and knowledge about the murkier places of the city). Hoping that he might perhaps visit the inn again the party promised a gold dragon if the messenger would be captured alive (and 50 silver coins if he was killed). But neither Paedrig nor Eric was optimistic – the inn owner seemed really afraid of this man…

In the meantime Ragnar had his jousting against Jarrod Lugus. Both fighters broke their lances three time without unhorsing the other but Ragnar’s lance was more accurate and his hits stronger.
Bryan Telson, the third of Naton Lugus cousins and Langley Wood did also not win their jousting, while Ser Naton Lugus, Ser Gennady Shanin and Ser Alesander Gargalen did have more luck.

In the evening Eric invited Orten Lugus for a private dinner, hoping to get more information out of him. Ragnars companion Marya should act as waitress (she was certainly more attractive than the normal service maids of the inn) to distract Orten. Although the wine and the food were good the atmosphere was not comfy while both men did their best to outtalk the other. In the end Orten Lugus (perhaps a little bit drunken) retreat faking illness. But again he avoided giving information.

Paedrig had a much more pleasant evening with the companion Garya. However it was not all fun because he had promised Bryan Telson to ask about Lidda (the companion Bryan Telson seemed to care about really much) who had vanished. Although Bryan Telson had asked the other companions (and offered some money) he was not able to get any information about Lidda.
Paedrig could convince Garya to tell him the truth – Lidda had left the brothel a day ago with an unknown man who treated her as if she was something better than a courtesan. She left out of her own will and with the allowance of the inn/ brothel owner (and this could only mean that someone had paid quite some money). Given the fact that neither Bryan Telson nor Gennady Shanin could be this man (Shannin also had asked after the girl) Paedrig suspected that Orten might be again the man behind the scene. Paedrig did not know why Orten Lugus should do this but given the last events he suspected (perhaps a little bit paranoid) that this might be another part of an intrigue… Garya promised to keep her eyes and ears open about Lidda.
Ragnar again did not stay at the Green Tree Inn for the night, while William stayed at the Maesters Conclave.

***

The next morning brought a letter from Lady Visennya Buckweel. She informed her brother that she had done some researches concerning this valyrian sword ‘Scorpion’. Whispers had reached her that Ser Gennady Shanin had boasted somewhere with a valyrian sword. Certainly it was funny that Bryan Telsons goal was all the time right under his nose. Given the fact that the rightful owner of the sword (Lord Wyl) was killed under rather unclear circumstances this left some questions how Shanin had get the weapon…
When Eric told Bryan Telson this astonishing news the young knight was really frustrated but not very surprised. He seemed to have suspected that Shanin did have something to do with the vanishing of the sword, although he was never sure and had other suspects as well. If he were still in the tourney he could challenge Ser Gennady and perhaps claim the sword as victory price…
Of course Paedrig offered his help. He simply could not refuse this chance. It was just like one of the old tales…
Bryan accepted the offer and so it was Paedrig who challenged Gennady Shanin. Gennady accepted, promising that Paedrig soon will bite the dust of the tourney ground. However it was Gennady Shanin who was finally unhorsed and got a nasty wound. But when Paedrig saluted to the crowd, Ser Ulwyck Uller stood up and challenged him, claiming that he would put the bastard ‘to the place he belongs’! Of course Paedrig accepted the challenge.
While Paedrigs Cousin Alys Gargalen was exited about his clear victory her father Ser Alesander reacted cautious. He seemed to fear that Ulwyck Ullers challenge could again stimulate the feud between house Gargalen and Uller he wanted to put to an end.
It was quite an emotional moment when Paedrig got the valyrian sword in his hand. Secretly he was really temped to keep it for his own - but than he handed the sword over to Ser Bryan Telson who thanked him and than revealed that he had acted under a false identity. In reality ‘Bryan Telson’ was Tygor Wyl, son of the legitimate owner of ‘Scorpion’ and the heir of house Wyl.

Beside the third round of the jousting this was also the day for the athletic contest and the second round of the shooting contest. Paedrig participated in the athletic competition although this was more an activity for the ‘lower classes’. However he gets in the last round before he was defeated by other participants.
Eric got through the second round of the shooting contest with ease although it was clear that others were certainly better.
From the acquaintances of the party only Ser Naton Lugus and Alesander Gargalen get through the third round of the tourney.

In the evening Eric tried to get some information about the companion Lidda from the inn/brothel owner. But because he did not really think (in contrast to Paedrig) that Lidda’s disappearance had anything to do with the intrigue against house Blyth, Eric was not very enthusiastic and did not want to spend any money – and therefore he got nothing substantial.


****************
Comments from the narrator

Again the result of some events was very open. If the poison wasn’t found in the dagger, if William wasn’t successful in analyzing the poison, if he hasn’t work all the night, if the party has not hired such a good healer so quickly and if Maester Bowen did not roll 18 in diagnosis and healing, the young Dannett would have died. It was more or less in the last second. And Adham’s rescue had a high price, because he lost a quality, getting two drawbacks instead. His live as a young hopeful knight seem to be over after his first real jousting. And his fragile health might lead to trouble in the future…

[Eisen]

And the plot thickens... I still say Paedrig is too nice for his own good. Paying good coin to heal an enemy? Giving away a pricless Valarian Steel sword after you fought for it? Tisk tisk. One can only hope the bastard dosen't find himself in need of a better sword sometime in the future. :p

[Paedrig]

He desperate want to act as a 'real knight' - this is in his eyes the only (honourable) way to finally become annoited himself. The stakes are much higher for a man like Paedrig...
And he want to show his worth to the world.

Concerning <<Paying good coin to heal an enemy<<...
Do not forget that he did not see Adham Dannett as a real enemy. That he has clear orders by his lord to do everything to calm the waves between Blyth and Dannett. That he is (secretly) in love with a close relative of Adham. That letting Adham Dannett die would only mean to let our real enemies go onward with their game...
Who might get the blame if Adham Dannett dies (and under rather suspicious conditions)?
I think these are good causes to help Adham.
Plus the fact that this time it is not Paedrigs money that was spend (it's Eric/ Gards). And they both can spare two gold dragons (although you would not believe it if you had seen how Eric acted ).

<<Giving away a pricless Valarian Steel sword after you fought for it?<<
To keep it for himself would certainly cost him the friendship and support of Tygor Wyl (ex Bryan Telson). We have enough enemies...
And it would be not very honourable. Given the fact that i am toying with the idea to ask Ser Wyl if HE would knighted Paedrig...
(Im game terms i also need 'Sponsor' to get the quality. I think i did have found a candidate ).
To give such a weapon away to its legitime owner...what a gesture of honour and noblesse. The acting of a real knight... etc.
And fighting Gennady Shanin was more a pleasure for Paedrig...

Anyway how long did you think could a BASTARD keep such a sword if the news get around (plus the way how he get it)? If you think that a bastard who fights for a house would be a scandale - what to you think would be a bastard with a valyrian sword?
Every man who challenge Paedrig (and there would be plenty) would try to do the same like Paedrig - claiming the sword as a price.
And others would probably try a more...sinister way to get it. After all, it is only a bastard...

I must confess, I was realy tempted to keep the sword. But after some time I (inplay and ofplay) came to the conclusion that it would be wise to hand it over...


Ofplay I ask myself if other players would be not so honourable (or simply stupid). It is funny (at least the game master had told me) that the writers of the adventure 'Peril at Kings Landing' had simply forget the possibility that the players kept the sword for their own...
But I promise the next valyrian sword i will keep for my own...

[superbat_99]

It seems to me that if Tygor Wyl would have looked for the sword up to this point a PC keeping it would just lead to him now knowing where it is and being able to find it easier. It would have been easy to take the sword but harder to hold on to it unless you killed him.

[Paedrig]

Yes you are right. And given the fact that Paedrig treats the friendship of a knight not lightly (he gets nasty remarks about his bastard nature etc. often enough) this was also a cause to give up the sword.

But it's still wonders me why the authors of 'Peril at Kings Landing' simply forget the possibility that a pc wants the sword for his own...


I hope i can finish this whole adventure before christmas, but we will see...

[Eisen]

Paedrig is far more honorable then any of my characters. If you dangle a Valarian Steel blade infront of my face I'll cut off your hand, take the sword and run the other way If your worried about repisals you could always sell it off for a small fortune in gold. Or just kill off the witnesses with sneakyness.

Honor and niceness is all well and good but folks who stick to thoes qualties too rigidly seem to suffer bad ends in Martin's world...

[Paedrig]

Hm...
People who DO NOT stick to those qualities suffer also a lot in Martins world, i think... :wink

And if Paedrig did not have a lot of aims that almost enforce him to act noble he might have acted another way. But running away with the sword could or simply would ruin many of his aims.
As a bastard (and in service of a very strict and honourable man) he simply could not get away with some things other (real noble born) chars could. He is in a unstable situation - a bastard, but not common born (given the fact that both his parents where of noble heritage) and recognized (allthough not legitimized) by the family of his father. A squire, a officer, a would-to-be knight - but still a bastard.

But in the end - we all have different chars who follow different aims with different means and psossibilities. For Paedrig respect by the vnoble born and knighthood for himself are perhaps (at the moment) an even greater aimes than a blade of valyrian steel (which he propably could not keep for long by the way).
We will see who gets along better.

But I will remember your judging of Paedrig as honourable if he ever tries to start an affair with his 'aunt' Anya of Krayenhorn...

[Paedrig]

Perils at Kings Landing V (The Tourney Part Three and the Finale)
(Ragnar and William must still be treated as semi-npc because their players could not always participate).
This is the last part of the big adventure which cost us in the end almost as much time than all adventures we played before. Therefore I want to thank the game master for his work...

****

The new day should bring the fourth and fifth round of the tourney and the riding contest.
Paedrig had to fight against Ser Ulwyck Uller who had challenged him the day before. It was a quick fight – Ser Uller hit Paedrig with nearly deadly force, sending him to the ground with four injuries. While Paedrig was lying in his blood, Ser Uller bragged about his victory and how he had put the bastard to the right place. Of course he wanted no ransom but Paedrigs armour and horse (and by this stripping him of the attributes of a knight). Paedrig must be carried away. Eric and later William treated his wounds professionally, although Eric was not very happy because he had set some money on Paedrig. But he was able to convince Ser Uller that he would take the armour but not the horse (Paedrig wanted to keep the horse because it was from Krayenhorn, the liege of his family). Concerning the armour Paedrig did have already a new in the making. Erics help for Paedrig was a little bit…dimmed by the fact that Paedrig must pay the ransom for his horse on his own, while Lord Gard had given the party some gold dragons for such situations. But Paedrig was not in the position or mood to argue.
Ser Naton Lugus and Ser Alesander Gargalen did also not pass the fourth round of the tourney and were both unhorsed.

Because of Paedrigs injuries only Ragnar could participate in the riding contest – and he did it very well. He got in the last round and made quite an impression with his abilities and the qualities of the Krayenhorn horses. But in the end some others were even better…

During the fifth round, Ser Ulwyck Uller faced Ser Jaime Lannister. Ser Uller did not have any chance against the Kingslayer. When Paedrig heard about this, he was quite disappointed that he had missed it. Eric was also happy because he gets some of his lost money back (he had set his coins on Ser Jaime).

In the evening Eric visited Ser Langley Wood (groom of Marita Lugus) and tried to get some information out of him. The ailing knight (he had got a wound in the tourney) was no match for Eric’s social skills but could tell nothing substantial. The only interesting were rumours that Orten Lugus might be the bastard son of Lord Tywin Lannister.
Later Eric tried again to get some information about the companion Lidda (Ser Wyl was willing to pay for bribing the owner of the Green Tree/ Jade Spring). This time Eric was successful and get the information that indeed Orten Lugus had ‘sold out’ Lidda and brought her to a house somewhere near Flea Bottom. Orten seemed very interested in the story how Lidda get to the Jade Spring – but the inn/brothel owner remained a little bit vague about this.
While Ser Wyl was uncertain what to do, Paedrig (tired of diplomacy) urged for a direct approach – but Eric did not agree because he did not want to stir any trouble. Anyway it was too late to do something this day.

***

The next morning Eric sent two sellswords to the house where Lidda might be. The mercenaries should do a little bit reconnaissance.
In the meantime Ragnar, Eric (and even Paedrig who was healing fast) visited the tourney ground and watched the sixth and seventh (fore last) round of the tourney. In the seventh round it was Ser Barristan Selmy against Sandor Clegane and Ser Loras against the Kingslayer. Only Barristan Selmy and Ser Loras Tyrell get through – they should fight tomorrow against each other.

Eric participated in the finale of the shooting contest but failed clearly.

In the evening the party get a surprising visit by Maester Ferris of house Dannett. He wanted to thank for the help of Maester Bowen (who had rescued Adhams live and than revealed his hiring by house Blyth) and give Paedrig the ‘ransom’ for the victory against Adham Dannett. Paedrig refused to take the money but his noble (but not selfless – he wanted that Adham stay in his dept) gesture was a little bit ruined by Eric Blyth who quickly claimed some of the money because he had paid Maester Bowen.
(Little by little Eric’s Greediness began to erode Paedrig’s esteem for him).
Eric revealed the complete intrigue (or at least the parts he know/assume) for the master and was able to convince him although it was still a mystery why house Lugus might have started such an intrigue. The Dannett Maester mostly accepted Eric’s convincing speculations but did not want to tell Adham the whole story at the moment. The young man was still weak…

When the two sellswords returned they could only tell that the house at Flea Bottom was guarded. The party decided to make a quick (and armed) visit next day.

***

This was the eleventh day in Kings Landing – and the last day of the tournament. In the morning Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Loras Tyrell (the two finalists) faced each other. While most of the ladies (and many of the men) cheered for the Knight of the Flowers, Paedrigs sympathies went with the Commander of the Kingsguard.
Both knights broke three lances against each other – each hit accurate and strong enough to unhorse or perhaps even kill a normal opponent. In the end the Commander of the Kingsguard went down – the Knight of the Flowers was the winner.

After this spectacle Eric, Tygor Wyl, Paedrig and William thought it might be time to visit Lidda’s hiding. Two sellswords escorted the party. After politely knocking at the door (and getting no reaction) Paedrig and Tygor broke down the door and charged in.
However they came to late – the house was empty. It looked like the inhabitants had left in hast. Perhaps the guards had noticed our ‘urban scouts’ the last day (the two sellswords certainly were not very sophisticated spies).
The whole scenario did not look like Lidda was held as a prisoner – more like a guest.
When the frustrated young men searched the house they found costly female clothing’s (even good enough for the court and certainly not so revealing like Lidda’s ‘working dresses’). And Paedrig found a handkerchief with faded embroidery that could be the arms of house Dannett.
Remembering the stature, age and hair colour of Lidda the party now came to the conclusion that ‘Lidda’ might be the lost Iris Dannett, sister of Adham Dannett. Now the whole thing sound logical: if Orten Dannett gets (and married) Iris Dannett whiles her brother (and only male heir of his father) died by the ‘treacherous hands of house Blyth’…
How Iris got in the brothel was still a mystery but given the fact that she did not like her new job, it was certainly not consensual.
But anyway ‘Lidda’/ Iris had again vanished without a real trace.
The party asked around but did not find any hints for the moment – and some of them want still to participate in the Mêlée. The time was running thin so the party returned to the jousting ground where the other members of the Mêlée group waited.

The fight began and immediately Paedrig went for Ullwyk Uller to get revenge for his lost in the jousting. But again Ser Uller was too good for him and Paedrig was beaten a second time (and get a new injury - just after the other had healed). Failing a second time was a heavy blow for young fighter although Ser Uller did not have much time to celebrate his victory when he faced Ragnars battleaxe. The group fight well but not good enough – in the end the victory went to the red priest with his flaming sword.
Again Eric did not want to spend the money Gard had given him so Ragnar and Paedrig must pay their ransom (5 gold dragons) on their own.

Later the day the party again meet with the Dannett Maester and informed him about the speculations concerning ‘Lidda’ and Ortens plans with her. The Maester was shocked and did have some problems to accept (or believe) such a complicated scenario and elaborated plan against the two houses. However he now remembered that Adham had get an anonymous gift (some wine) – perhaps he was poisoned this way. This seemed logical although not very imaginative (Eric also gets an anonymous gift – the dagger with the poison).

With the Mêlée over only one festivity remained – a great meal and victory celebration at the Red Keep.
The whole group showed up. The scenario was even more costly and luxurious than the first fest. Although they did their best to hide their emotions, Orten Lugus (of course the whole Lugus group was also apparent) might notice Ragnars and Paedrigs (and Tygor Wyl’s) unfriendly looks. Eric was able to conceal his emotions perfectly.
Of course there were many much more prominent guests than the party or house Lugus. The royal family, the Knight of the Flowers, the kingsguard (Ser Jaime Lannister was accompanied by Tyrion) etc. Paedrig actually had the guts to talk briefly with the Kingslayer (although he is normally more something like a targaryan loyalist). The legendary/ infamous member of the kingsguard was friendlier than Paedrig expected.
While Eric and his son mostly went for the food (and wine), Paedrig (although still with a banded injury) also participated in the dancing. Eric gets home very late and very drunken.

***

The next morning the Green Tree Inn gets a surprising visit by Ser Jacelyn ‘Ironhand’ Bywater, a high officer of the Goldcloaks. During the night Ser Langley Wood (groom of Marita Lugus) and one of his servants has been killed. Ser Bywater informed and perhaps interrogated Ser Wood’s bride and than wanted a conversation with the Blyth party – Marita Lugus had told him something about trouble between the Blyth’s and her groom (which was certainly untrue – Langley Wood was always too unimportant for the party).
Eric and Paedrig did their best to refute Maritas lies and instead mentioned the rumours about her former husbands, the bad reputation of her family and their impression that the relation between Marita and Langley was not the best (both seemed not happy with each other; Langley showed more interest for the companions of the Jade Spring while Marita and a bravosii guest changed meaningful views etc.). Of course this all was mostly gossip. In the end Ser Bywater did not have anything substantial against house Blyth and left – leaving Paedrig and Eric behind wondering if the death of Ser Langley Wood could have anything to do with the intrigue against house Blyth or if Marita Lugus was simply stepping up her routine in killing her would-to-be husband even before marriage.

But such speculations did not hinder the group to try again their search for ‘Lidda’/ Iris Dannett. Following a suggestion by William the party visited the city gates, asking the guards if any person who fits the description of Iris had passed by. This costs some time and money but in the end the party got the information that the Lugus gang and a beautiful young woman with blond hair and the colours of house Dannett had left the Kings Gate.
Fearing that the Lugus want to get away with their booty the party (and especially Paedrig I must confess) overreacted a little bit. While Paedrig galloped back to the Green Tree Inn, mobilizing Ser Tygor Wyl, Ser Lanseer and the Blyth sellswords for the hunt after the Lugus, Eric rushed to the Dannetts (which stayed at the tourney ground outside Kings Landing) for additional forces.
He was quiet surprised (as was Paedrig when his armoured and armed band arrived later) to find Ruben Piper standing in front of the Dannett pavilion tent, demanding loudly to be let in and to see his would-to-be bride Iris. Eric calmed the waves a little bit and was able to send Ruben Piper away for the moment.
As the party now discovered Orten Lugus had brought the ‘lost’ sister of Adham Dannett back, playing the knight in shining armour who had rescued sweet Iris out of this pit of sin after he recognized her noble heritage. Orten also claimed that he had solved the whole mystery behind the killing of the Dannett peasants, the intrigue against house Blyth and Dannett, the poisoning of Adham etc.
In his story (‘proved’ by some documents he had in his possession) it was all the Fox Knight and his sinister followers the ‘fox cubs’. Orten Lugus had discovered this on his own and he and his family had killed the man who actually had poisoned Adham. The description of this ‘poisoner’ fits with the man who had brought the dubious dagger to the Green Tree Inn and acted as messenger for the Fox Knight.
Ortens words did make some impression – but not for house Blyth who only could see Orten Lugus tilting out traces which could lead to him. But to know it and to proof it was a different thing…
Also the party must hear that not only Ruben Piper was claiming Iris Dannett (while she refused to see him and stated that she would rather die or kill him instead of marrying him), but also Orten Lugus had asked for her hand and Iris seemed to be very fond of her saviour.

At least for Paedrig this was ridiculous (for Eric too although he was not so vehement). If Orten would get Iris (given the fact that neither her father nor her brother were in good health) this could mean that in some month house Blyth could have Orten Lugus ruling the Dannett land.
To make the matters even more complicated Tygor Wyl also wanted to marry Iris Dannett while Paedrig and Eric silently speculated if a marriage between Lord Gard Blyth and Iris Dannett might be a good idea – ending forever the dammed old feud…
But given the fact that Gard was not here, still wanted to marry a Aran girl and might not be so happy with a bride with such…’rich experience in the art of love making’ they did not know how to act – beside to hinder any Dannett-Lugus marriage.
Eric sent a raven to Dragonport reporting the last events but the party did know that time might run thin before they could get clear instructions. Soon the Dannett group might get home. Of course the party could (and wanted) to accompany them on their way home (to improve the disposition of Adham and to hinder Orten if he plans another attack or intrigue) – but this would mean also no clear instruction from the home front for the next weeks if the raven with Gards answer arrived Kings Landing not in time. And what would be if Iris Dannett sneaked out of the tent (or simply marched out – her still weak brother was wax in her hands) and decided to marry Orten Lugus?

There was some argue between Eric and Paedrig what they should do in the meanwhile and concerning the potential grooms-to-be (Paedrig perhaps overstepped his position verbally a little bit).
Eric seemed to favour the idea to help Ruben Piper – he speculated that a rich merchantman could bring the most profit for him (either money or trading agreements). For Paerig such thinking was a little bit cheap. He also did not follow Erics fears how Ruben Piper might sabotage the wealth of Dannet and Blyth if he does not get his will (and his young bride). For Paedrig (a bastard but a noble born one and with more pride than it might be good) Ruben Piper was simply a fat overambitious money bag of low heritage. A merchantman that would never let his pride goes over his profit. Piper might have accepted Iris as a compensation for his credits but he certainly would not start a trade war against house Dannett AND Blyth. If he overstepped the boundaries of his social position…
Also the idea to sell a woman to a man she really hate (right after she was rescued out of a brothel) was of no appeal for Paedrig.
And he still had the idea that by helping his friend Tygor Wyl (if the idea with Iris/Gard might not work) he could get a sponsor and his knighthood. He had an open word with Tygor Wyl, stating out that he would support him if Gard give no contradicting orders – but to get Erics support Tygor Wyl should perhaps think about more…substantial means. Ser Wyl seemed to be willing to spend some money but also showed his disdain for such a haggling (Paedrig silently but obviously agreed). Paedrig also tried to help Tygor Wyl in his attempt to increasing Iris Dannetts disposition. But both men were no match for Iris who was able to convince them that they should help her in search for her kidnappers who had sold her to the Jade Spring - she wanted revenge. It costs some money and threats to get information out of the owner of the Jade Spring/ Green Tree (Iris did not want a trial or involvement of the goldcloaks because this would be very embarrassing for her and her family). It’s seemed that the gang of Dennys ‘the lame’ was guilty for the kidnapping. They had captured Iris short after she left home and raped the young woman. When they noticed her high heritage they almost panicked but still wanted to get some money. They were too afraid to ask the Dannett’s for ransom so they sold her away without telling her name. Iris kept her identify hidden because she was ashamed (and perhaps thought that no one would believe her anyway). Dennys band operate north of the Twins so any measures against him must wait for the moment.

Beside these activities and their little disagreement both Eric and Paedrig were united in sabotaging Orten Lugus marriage plans. Even Paedrig who favoured the idea that Iris at least did not hate her future groom did not want that she might choose Orten.
Eric started a psyop campaign to convince Adham AND Iris that the motives and aims of Orten might be dubious and that he (and not the Fox Knight or other deceased men) were behind the intrigue. The problem was he did not have any real evidences while Orten did have some (‘letters’ of the Fox Knight). But Eric did have his rhetoric skills and he was at least able to spread some doubts.
But his words also reached the Lugus party - and the Lugus brother reacted immediately and challenged Eric for a duel of honour because of his ‘ridiculous and infamous accusations’. Of course neither Orten nor Eric would fight – this should be the duty of Naton Lugus and Paedrig Rivers.
In the end, after all the haggling and intriguing and backstabbing it finally comes to this point (at least in Paedrig’s view): two armoured men facing each other with blades in their hands…

***

Paedrig stand up early and visited the Great Sept, praying for his victory. After losing against Ser Uller two times he was more than a little bit nervous so he asked Ser Tygor Wyl for a favour. Paedrig wanted to borough the valyrian sword ‘Scorpion’ for the fight. After all Paedrig had won the fight for the sword – certainly a good omen. And of course such a weapon would heighten his chances. Ser Tygor Wyl agreed (beside the fact that Paedrig had get the sword for him he was also very interested that the brother of Orten Lugus, his rival for Iris Dannett, did not win).
On the way to the tourney ground where the duel should be Paedrig was accompanied by Ser Tygor Wyl and Ser Landseer. The old knight did his best to tell the young man about the specific rules and customs of duels, the best fighting manoeuvres etc. (the old knight acted a little bit patronizing but in good will). Of course the other members of the Blyth party were also apparent.

At the tourney ground the party met the whole Lugus gang (minus Marita Lugis and one of her cousins who was serious wounded in the tourney). Also apparent were the Dannetts (Adham still looked very ill and Iris had concealed her face) and Alesander and Alys Gargalen. A dornish Septon should watch over the whole event.

Although he was not certain about his chances Paedrig asked Eric if he did have specific instructions how he should deal with Naton Lugus. Eric was a little bit uncertain but decided that it might be unwise to kill Naton Lugus. Paedrig silently disagreed in this matter but accepted the order. Eric tried to start a polite conversation with Lady Lugus (the mother of Naton, Orten and Marita) but only earned cold stares and frosty answers. Obviously it was not the time for this.
Before the fight should began, Orten Lugus once again lay out his case and pictured himself as an honourable man who was accused wrongly by house Blyth. He was very convincing and even Eric (a quiet able rhetoric) could not counter his words effectively. But then again – at this place and this time words did not mean very much. At least words which were spoken before the fight.

Both fighters listened to the words of the Septon who claimed that only right and truce will win in this fight (some people in the audience might disagree silently) and than ordered the fight to begin. Paedrig whispered ‘Anya’ (the name of his secret love) and charged.
Although Naton Lugus was able to block Paedrigs first attack and hit him some times, Paedrigs new armour protected him well and the younger and more agile man clearly dominated the fight. Naton Lugus gets a nasty wound at the right knee and when he tried to cover his side with his shield, the valyrian sword hit him at the left shoulder piercing through the plate armour with ease and almost cutting of Natons arm. The heir of house Lugus went down bleeding (in stats - he get maimed). Paedrig was tempted to finish him once and for all but followed his order, shouting “The gods have decided!” and stepping away from the body of his opponent.
Naturally the Lugus family rushed towards their relative. When they passed Eric he noticed something disturbing: for a moment Orten Lugus face was a mask of anger and hate – but at the same time there was also a cold malicious joy…
However after congratulating Paedrig (who was also praised by his relatives and friends) Eric wastes no time in ensuring that the Dannetts understood the significance of the fight. While Adham Dannett was quiet impressed his sister (after her ‘adventures’ perhaps a little bit sceptic about the might and power of the Seven) was a little bit more cautious. But certainly the position of house Lugus was weakened. And Ser Tygor Wyl declared that Paedrig Rivers had shown the abilities and the manners of a true knight and that it would be an honour if he could be the man who knighted him – an offer Paedrig of course accepted.

When the party returned to the Green Tree Inn they must noticed that the wounded Ser Gennady Shanin had used the time to flee – obviously he did not wanted to face Tygor Wyls questions about the role he had played in the treachery that had cost Tygor’s father his live and family sword.
Little time later the party also get a visit by Ser Jacelyn Bywater who told them that there was a new situation in Bywaters investigation concerning Ser Langley Wood’s death. Following Paedrig’s and Eric’s hints Bywater had took a closer look at the bravosii guest at the Green Tree Inn. Short after this the Bravosii vanished – together with Marita Lugus and leaving behind some smuggling goods and poisons. While the Lugus family claimed that the Bravosii might have kidnapped poor Marita Lugus neither Ser Bywater nor the party really believed this story. However the two suspects were gone. But given the fact that the party seemed to have set Bywater on the right track he wanted to give them some money for the goods that the probable killer of Ser Langley Wood had left behind. This act of honesty (or even generosity) by a goldcloak officer was a little surprise for Paedrig (and Ser Bywater was not very amused when he noticed it) but in the end Ser Bywater and the party said goodbye to each other in good terms.

The situation in the Green Tree Inn became a little bit strained given the fact that the Blyth and Lugus party stayed here. To prevent any new bloodshed the Blyth’s and the Dannett’s (which decided to not stay further in the green) and also Tygor Wyl changed their quarter – now after the tourney the Inns of Kings Landing were not longer overcrowded. Silently the party also hoped to minimize Orten Lugus chances by generating some distance between him and Iris Dannett.

***

The next day it was time for Paedrig to become a knight. In the evening he went to the Great Sept for the obligatory night watch. He was accompanied by some of his friends and new relatives although they left after a while leaving him to pray and to contemplate about the duties and obligations of a knight.
In the morning the Blyth Party and their new friends gathered together and Ser Tygor Wyl knighted Paedrig, also giving him a excellent (castle forged) shield and (much more costly) a beautiful black dornish Sand Steed which Paedrig named ‘Nymeria’. The young man was quiet surprised and moved by this present and did have difficulties to find the proper words.
As remembrances for his victory against the Fox Knight and Ser Naton Lugus Paedrig took an silver fox with an silver chalice on a blue shield as arms (The arms of the Fox Knight was a blue fox on silver while house Lugus did have a silver chalice with emeralds on a black shield). Paedrigs motto should be ‘Swift and Keen’.

(In game terms: by helping the family of his mother and Tygor Wyl and spending one destiny point, Paedrig gets the drawback ‘in dept’ and in the same time took the benefits ‘sponsor’ and ‘annoited’).

Shortly after this the two Gargalens left Kings Landing. As an anointed knight Paedrig Rivers might perhaps be not longer such a great shame for the family of his mother.
Two day later the Blyth party left together with the Dannetts. House Lugus has stayed quiet for the moment and did not start a new attempt to get Iris. Eric asked his sister Visennya that she should sent a courier after the slow travelling party if instructions by Gard (concerning the whole ‘Iris Dannett-thing’) arrived in the next few days. He also finally asked Paedrig if he did have any expenses during his time at Kings Landing and when Paedrig mentioned the money he had spend as ‘ransom’, Eric paid him (although not very enthusiastic).
Given the fact that now three sellswords and the two craftsmen for Erics dye business (plus their families) accompanied the party the two houses built a real big travelling party (almost 30 people) – also hoping that Orten Lugus will think twice before he tried an attack against such an big (and well armed) group.
However when the party left Kings Landing they saw a new sign of Orten Lugus ruthlessness: the rotten body of the only member of the Fox Knight band that was captured alive. Obviously ‘someone’ had convinced the goldcloaks that this man must be hanged…

***

The travelling back was much more peacefully than the last time. There were no attacks or other problems. However it was of course surprising for the people who had listened Adhams accusation against house Blyth that now the two houses travelled together and in peace. The members of the Blyth party did their best to reveal the truth about the events to anyone who asked (and Adham Dannett backed this if anyone asked HIM). However the young man was still very weak and depressed.
Paedrig (who was of course still enthusiastic about his knighthood) tried his best to make a good impression for Adham and his sister Iris but both siblings had quiet a lot to carry and think about…
However by increasing the disposition of the younger generation of house Dannett there was now a chance that the old feud between Blyth and Dannett will not be carried on.

Some days after the departure from Kings Landing Gards instructions arrived the party. Gard seemed not very fond of the idea that he might marry Iris Dannett (after all she was a ‘damaged good’ and he favoured the idea of marrying a Arran girl) and it was obvious that he despised the ambitions of Ruben Piper. Eric was not happy about this because he had hoped to get some money out of Ruben Piper if he would help him with the whole wedding thing. But given the fact that Lord Gard did not like the idea, Iris Dannett hate her would-to-be-groom and that her brother and father would prefer ANY noble candidate, Tygor Wyl seemed to have the best chances.

Eric (in contrast to the other members of the party – even Paedrig looked down on Ruben Piper) spent some times together with Ruben Piper who still was with the Dannett party and really frustrated by the acting of his ‘bride’.
For Eric Ruben Pipers ambitions were also a little bit strange given the fact that marrying Iris Dannett would mean great costs – and this only for a nice face and body and her noble blood…Certainly a very bad business!
He followed some suggestions Paedrig had mentioned some days ago and tried to convince Ruben Piper that he could only lost in this game (given also the disposition of his ‘bride’ and her family) and that it would be wiser if Ruben Piper would marry perhaps the daughter of one of the members of the Dragonport council (Eric hoped that he could get good business relations with Ruben Piper AND another member of the city council).
Eric than get a certain amount of money out of Ser Tygor Wyl by claiming that he might be able to influence the Dannetts that Tygor Wyl was the right candidate for Iris. He exaggerated his possibilities but really did his best to convince Iris and Adham that Tygor Wyl might be a good candidate (certainly Iris was much fonder of him than of her ‘groom’ Ruben Piper). When the all arrive the boundaries of Dannett- and Blyth-land the two parties split up and said farewell.

The Blyth party first went to Krayenhorn where they handed over the three horses they should show at the tourney to increase the reputation of the Krayenhorn breed. Ser Gawan of Krayenhorn was quiet impressed by their story.
Paedrig did his best to make a good impression with his new title, new armour and new horse but anyway the party did not stay for long because most wanted to come home.

The welcome at Dragonport was warm. Lord Gard was pleased by the outcome of the whole matter. Especially Eric and Paedrig seemed to have acted more than well. Gards disposition towards his uncle (and his mercantile projects) increased significantly and he gave Paedrig a castle forged sword as a gift for his knighthood and his loyal services.
With all the accusations, rumours and potential skirmish out of the way it might be time to reactivate Gard’s plans for a wedding alliance between house Blyth and Arran…

End of this adventure.

[Eisen]

Looks like things turned out pretty well for Paedrig. Quality new equipment and he's now a true knight! Congrats! I have to say I'm begining to like Eric a bit more, for exactly the same reasons Paedrig dosen't. Greed is good! It takes lots of gold to pay for that shiney new gear of yours Paedrig Besides, everyone loves a good Ferengi

Even though things turned out good you still let Orten Lugus get away. He's proven how ruthless he is, and after this defeat he'll no doubt be plotting revenge. A sword through his head prevents any such attempts. (Even better if it's that Valarian Steel sword you should have nicked eariler )

[DaimosofRedstone]

What an update.
I am impressed.
Nice work.

[Paedrig]

Thank you very much. Perhaps i should have shortened the text a little bit but it is allways so that I have the more to say the longer the adventure gets. All the earlier events/ intrigues etc. you must remember and refer to...

Eisen
To kill Orten Lugus (nothing of his deeds were proved and he would never faced one of our fighters in a duel) would have started a real bloodshed between our group and the Lugus Gang (beside Orten, Naton and three cousins there were some numbers of guards)...
Eric certainly did not want to risk this (and the potential reaction of the law). Remember his greedy nature war is bad for business - especially against a family with better connections than we have...
And while Paedrig would have liked to kill Orten in a duel (and no order by Eric would have prevented this) to kill him on the open road is something different...
But you are right we must be carefull concerning Ortens future plots.
But then again...good openings for the narrators...

[Eisen]

Who said anything about a duel? A sword in the back of the head works just as well as a sword in the front Although considering Paedrig's recent tourny performance perhaps slitting Orten's throat while he sleeps would be a safer option

And the Rules of Acquisition clearly state that War is good for buisness!